Stress as a Key Concept in Chronic Widespread Pain and Fatigue Disorders

ABSTRACT.Objectives: To review recent studies on the etiopathogenetic role and clinical relevance of life stress in medically unexplained syndromes characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.Findings: Both fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] and chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS] have been found to be frequently linked to different stressors, such as negative life events, occupational problems, posttraumatic stress [PTSD], adverse childhood experiences, and “overactive” lifestyle. In addition, the stress-modulating role of affect-regulation, perceptual-cognitive factors, and social support, as well as the relationship with depression have been investigated in FMS/CFS patients.…