Generalized hypervigilance in fibromyalgia: normal interoceptive accuracy, but reduced self-regulatory capacity

in Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2017), 93(2), 48-54

Objective: The factors underlying the aetiology of fibromyalgia (FM) are largely unknown. According to the generalized hypervigilance hypothesis (GHH), FM patients show excessive attention towards pain ... [more ▼]

Objective: The factors underlying the aetiology of fibromyalgia (FM) are largely unknown. According to the generalized hypervigilance hypothesis (GHH), FM patients show excessive attention towards pain stimuli and other sensory events, thereby increasing pain perception and dysfunctional behaviour. We tested this notion by assessing interoceptive accuracy (IA) in FM patients and matched healthy controls. We also tested the hypothesis that FM is characterized by reduced self-regulatory capacity as indexed by heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: 47 FM patients (Mage = 45.5, 39 females) and 45 healthy controls (Mage = 44.9, 37 females) completed several self-report scales (Body Vigilance Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Pain Catastrophizing Scale). To derive HRV, heart rate was monitored under resting conditions; for the assessment of IA participants performed a heartbeat tracking task in which they were asked to silently count their heartbeats. Results: FM patients reported higher body vigilance than healthy controls, but there were no group differences in IA. FM patients had lower HRV compared with healthy controls. HRV did not predictor IA. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings do not support the hypothesis of generalized hypervigilance in FM patients. Patients reported a heightened focus on bodily sensations, which was not reflected in IA. It may be that hypervigilance is not a general and stable characteristic but is rather context dependent and modality-specific. [less ▲]

Effects of prolonged and repeated body image exposure in binge eating disorder

in Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2002), 52

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate psychological mechanisms associated with prolonged and repeated body image exposure. METHOD: In an experimental design, 30 female volunteers ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate psychological mechanisms associated with prolonged and repeated body image exposure. METHOD: In an experimental design, 30 female volunteers diagnosed with binge-eating disorder (BED) (DSM-IV) and 30 non-eating-disordered controls (NC) were exposed to their physical appearance in a mirror. The confrontation procedure was guided by a standardized interview manual and took place on two separate days. Self-reported mood, appearance self-esteem, and frequency of negative cognitions were assessed repeatedly throughout the experiment. RESULTS: During body image exposure sessions, binge-eating-disordered individuals showed significantly lower mood than controls while appearance self-esteem was diminished in both groups. During the second body image exposure session, higher levels of mood and appearance self-esteem were observed in both groups, and negative cognitions occurred less frequently. CONCLUSION: Results are discussed with regard to the therapeutic use of body image exposure. [less ▲]

Physiological and subjective stress responses in surgical patients.

in Journal of Psychosomatic Research (1986), 30

Autonomic responses, mood and psychological coping were assessed in two groups of orthopaedic patients during hospitalisation for major or minor surgery. Eight patients admitted for total hip replacement ... [more ▼]

Autonomic responses, mood and psychological coping were assessed in two groups of orthopaedic patients during hospitalisation for major or minor surgery. Eight patients admitted for total hip replacement and seven patients undergoing knee arthroscopy were seen daily for two days before surgery until discharged from hospital. Mood and coping questionnaires were administered on each session, while pain, heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance level, palmar sweat prints and forearm EMG were also recorded. Heart rate increased from pre- to post-operative assessments, while skin conductance and palmar sweating fell to low levels on the days immediately following surgery, returning to basal values only after several days. Self ratings of anxiety, fatigue, depression and pain were highest on the immediate post-operative days. Patients utilised the coping factors Rational Cognition and Behavioural Action to the greatest extent, but ratings on coping factors fluctuated little over the study period. The interrelations between these measures and possible explanations of the results are discussed. [less ▲]