Theory of mind and metacognitive functions in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Object: We aim to evaluate the metacognitive functions and theories of mind of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Method: The study was carried out in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic with 101 women with fibromyalgia syndrome and 101 healty control group. All attendees; clinical data form, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), Beck Depression Scale (BDS), Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and Metacognitions Questionnaire Forms (MCI) were applied. RESULTS: Results: The eyes test performance of the Fibromyalgia patient group was statistically significantly lower than the control group. Together, it was detected that the patients had more dysfunctional metacognition and that the 'uncontrollability and danger' and 'cognitive trust' metacognition were more frequently used. The BAI and BDI scores of the patients were also higher than the controls. Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test had no correlation with other scales. But BAO; there was moderate correlation between the MCI total score and the 'control inability and danger' subscala. The BDI correlated poorly with the 'cognitive trust', 'uncontrollability-danger' and 'need for control of thinking' subscales of MCQ. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Dysfunctional metacognitions were high in FMS patients and a different mind theory in some parameters. More studies should be done to reveal the anxiety, depression levels and cognitive distortions of patients with fibromyalgia.

Keywords

• Fibromyalgia syndrome
• metacognition
• reading of the mind.