Cognitive Impairment in Fibromyalgia: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies
Journal
Psychosomatic Medicine
Journal Volume
80
Journal Issue
5
Start Page
432
End Page
438
ISSN
0033-3174
Date Issued
2018-06-01
Author(s)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Cognitive dysfunction has been reported in individuals with fibromyalgia. However, findings regarding cognitive function examined using neuropsychological tests have been inconsistent. The aim of the study was to determine domain-specific cognitive impairment in patients with fibromyalgia compared with healthy controls. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis that systematically searched six databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) for articles published before September 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-three case-control studies with a total of 2096 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Cognitive function was significantly lower (g = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60-1.15) in individuals with fibromyalgia than in healthy controls. Large effect sizes were found in learning/memory and attention/psychomotor speed (g = 0.94, p = .013; g = 1.22, p < .001, respectively); medium effect sizes were reported in executive function and working memory (g = 0.72, p < .001; g = 0.75, p < .001, respectively). Depression and anxiety scores were associated with the effect size of group differences in cognitive function (B = 0.11, p < .001, 95% CI = 0.09-0.13; B = 0.02, p < .001, 95% CI = 0.01-0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment across different cognitive domains was found in individuals with fibromyalgia compared with healthy controls. Mood states (depression and anxiety) may explain the heterogeneity across studies.
Type
review