Depression, sexuality and fibromyalgia syndrome: clinical findings and correlation to hematological parameters

Abstract

Objective: To investigate sexuality and depression in women with FM compared with controls and to correlate the findings with hematological parameters.

Methods: 33 women with FM and 19 healthy women were included and evaluated with the following instruments: Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Inventory, Visual Analogue Scale, medical history and laboratory exams.

Results: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (P = 0.007) and depression (P < 0.001) were higher in the study group than in the control group; they were positively correlated (P = 0.023). The study group showed lower serum concentrations of testosterone, free T4, antinuclear factor, and lower blood hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Conclusions: FM was associated with high scores of sexual dysfunction and depression, and there were correlations with hematological parameters. We suggest the involvement of immune-inflammatory mediators and FM, which need further investigation to understand their role in FM syndrome and its comorbidities.