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. 2010 Oct;35(9):996-1004.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsq020. Epub 2010 Apr 1.

Relationship between school absenteeism and depressive symptoms among adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia

Susmita Kashikar-Zuck  1 , Megan Johnston, Tracy V Ting, Brent T Graham, Anne M Lynch-Jordan, Emily Verkamp, Murray Passo, Kenneth N Schikler, Philip J Hashkes, Steven Spalding, Gerard Banez, Margaret M Richards, Scott W Powers, Lesley M Arnold, Daniel Lovell
Affiliations

Relationship between school absenteeism and depressive symptoms among adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia

Susmita Kashikar-Zuck et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2010 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To describe school absences in adolescents with Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome (JPFS) and examine the relationship between school absenteeism, pain, psychiatric symptoms, and maternal pain history.

Methods: Adolescents with JPFS (N = 102; mean age 14.96 years) completed measures of pain and depressive symptoms, and completed a psychiatric interview. Parents provided information about the adolescents' school absences, type of schooling, and parental pain history. School attendance reports were obtained directly from schools.

Results: Over 12% of adolescents with JPFS were homeschooled. Those enrolled in regular school missed 2.9 days per month on average, with one-third of participants missing more than 3 days per month. Pain and maternal pain history were not related to school absenteeism. However, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with school absences.

Conclusion: Many adolescents with JPFS experience difficulties with regular school attendance. Long-term risks associated with school absenteeism and the importance of addressing psychological factors are discussed.

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