Topic: Medical Care
Fibromyalgia And CFS As Psychosomatic Trauma Illnesses- Part Two:
More Articles and Abstracts Linking Fibromyalgia (and CFS) to Abuse Trauma
From “203 Sexual Abuse Issues: An Introduction for Child Welfare Professionals
A Training Outline” Developed by Cyndi King For The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work Pittsburgh, PA February 2006”:
Section VI: Sexual Abuse Victim and Sibling Dynamics (continued)
Step 2:
Behavioral Indicators
It is essential to note that no one (1) behavior or even clusters of behaviors equals sex abuse. Behavioral indicators are only a symptom of the abuse, not a casual factor. The trainer should remind participants to not draw conclusions from these indicators displayed by children but to use the indicators as information to be weighed with ALL of the information gathered.
Behavioral Indicators: Large Group Activity
The trainer should utilize a sheet of flip-chart paper and begin by listing “Other Possible Behavior Indicators” at the top of the sheet of paper. The trainer should poll the large group to determine if there are other behaviors that they are aware of which could be listed as a behavioral indicator. The trainer should be sure to list both cruelty to animals and fire setting behaviors on that list. Although, there is controversy over whether these behaviors are definitely linked to sexual abuse there is some research that states there is a correlation. Most recently, there has been limited research regarding a possible connection of fibromyalgia and history of sexual abuse. http://www.pacwcbt.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203%20Sexual%20Abuse%20Issues/Content/Content.pdf
"Fibromyalgia Syndrome: An Introduction", from Fibrant Living- a fibromyalgia patient's website:
Some doctors persist in believing that FMS is a psychiatric disorder, but researchers have been unable to distinguish between FMS, rheumatoid arthritis and other patients who experience chronic pain using psychiatric techniques (Starlanyl & Copeland, 2001). Some physicians have reclassified fibromyalgia as a "functional somatic syndrome," claiming that it is characterized more by disability than medical explanation, suggesting behavioral and psychiatric treatment rather than any other therapies (Barsky & Borus, 1999). While the incidence of psychiatric disorders such as depression is no higher in patients with FMS than in those with other chronic pain disorders, the number of fibromyalgia patients who have experienced acute or long term trauma or abuse is far higher than that of the general population (Romans et al., 2002 and Van Houdenhove et al, 2004) http://www.fibrantliving.com/fibromyalgia-syndrome-an-introduction/
From the article: “Fibromyalgia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
2.What can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Traffic accidents (or near misses), combat, grievous losses, life-threatening diagnoses, ICU stays, traumatic illnesses, disfiguring accidents, heart attacks, spinal cord and brain injuries, rape, muggings, fires, near-drownings, childhood abuse, domestic violence, living in a war zone, hurricanes and other natural disasters, torture, terrorist attacks, violent assaults, imprisonment, kidnappings, etc..
4.What chronic conditions can develop as a result of long term PTSD? Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivites, interstitial cystitis, myofascial pain, low back pain, pelvic pain.
http://www.fibromyalgia-recovery.org/post_traumatic_stress_disorder.htm
Abstract for the study "Somatoform dissociation and traumatic experiences in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia”, which links Fibromyalgia to Somatoform Dissociation:
Note: A definition/explanation for Conversion Disorder can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/conversion-disorder/DS00877
Understanding Somatoform Dissociation:
“Soma” means “body”, and this form of dissociation can include involuntary muscle contractions, or physical sensations that were in some way associated with past traumatic experiences being re-experienced in the body as “body memories”. Alternatively, the person may experience sudden analgesia, partial paralysis, or numbing of all or part of the body to physical sensations. http://users.bigpond.net.au/erlyons/dissociation.htm
