Abstract

Aim: This single-center cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the clinical, demographic, and psychological characteristics of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and assess the impact of these parameters on quality of life, daily functioning, and psychological well-being.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-six women diagnosed with FM according to the 1990 ACR criteria were included. Socio-demographic, clinical, and psychometric characteristics were recorded. The severity of pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A), and Depression (HAM-D) scales, Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL90-R), and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale were used to evaluate disease severity, quality of life, and psychological symptoms, respectively. Physical activity level, hand grip strength, 100-meter walking time, and tender point counts were also recorded.

Results: Major anxiety was detected in 61.6% and moderate-to-severe depression in 38.4% of participants. Pain levels (VAS) showed a significant positive correlation with both functional disability (FIQ) and depression (HAM-D). Physical activity was inversely associated with fatigue scores (p=0.039). No significant associations were found between BMI and most clinical parameters, except for walking time. SCL90-R scores indicated elevated somatization and psychological distress in a substantial subgroup.

Conclusion: FM adversely affects quality of life and is commonly accompanied by psychological symptoms. Comprehensive assessment strategies addressing both physical and psychological aspects are essential for effective management. 

Keywords: Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, quality of life

Copyright and license

Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). This is an open-access article published by Bolu İzzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

How to cite

1.
Baykal Şahin H, Karkucak M, Çapkın E. Quality of life, psychological status, and functionality in patients with fibromyalgia. Northwestern Med J. 2026;Early View:95-102. https://doi.org/10.54307/2026.NWMJ.198

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