Catastrophisation, chronic pain and sexuality: a cross-sectional investigation in fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. In the present study we investigate the putative differences in pain catastrophising (PC), pain perception (PP), sexual functioning (SF), satisfaction (SS), and overall quality of life between fibromyalgia (FM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods. Fifty-seven native Italian-speaking female individuals suffering either from FM or RA and thirty-eight healthy female controls (FM=40; RA=17; HC=38) were submitted to a semi-structured interview aimed at assessing PP intensity (Visual Analogue Scale; VAS), general health conditions (36-items Short-Form Health Survey; SF-36), PC (Pain Catastrophising Scale; PCS), SF and SS (Index of Sexual Satisfaction; ISS/ Female Sexual Function Index; FSFI). Results. FM patients had a significantly higher PP both as compared to RA and HC (p<0.002 for both), and higher PC as compared to HC but not as compared to RA patients (p<0.03 and p<0.64). When compared to RA patients and HC, they showed a lower quality of life (p<0.002 for both comparisons), a compromised SF (p<0.003 and p<0.002, respectively) and a lower index of SS with respect to HC (p<0.002). RA patients had higher PP (VAS; p<0.002), lower quality of life and SF as compared to HC (p<0.002 and p<0.003, respectively). Conclusion. FM and RA patients showed a significantly lower quality of life, SF and SS as compared to HC. PC was significantly related to PP and low quality of life in FM patients, while in RA patients, it negatively affected quality of life and especially the sexual sphere, both when considering SF and SS.

Automated summary

In comparison to healthy controls, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibit significant differences in pain perception, pain catastrophising, sexual functioning, and overall quality of life, with fibromyalgia patients showing the poorest outcomes.