| 1. |
- Wentz, Kerstin, 1958, et al.
(författare)
-
On parole : The natural history of recovery from fibromyalgia in women: A grounded theory study
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Journal of Pain Management. - Hauppauge, NY : Nova Science Publishers, Inc.. - 1939-5914. ; 5:2, s. 177-194
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Full remission of fibromyalgia symptoms is unusual and this course is unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate psychological functioning and psychosocial processes expressed by women originally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and presently recovered. Eight women, earlier diagnosed with fibromyalgia but presently subjectively and objectively recovered, were interviewed in-depth. The interviews were analysed in line with Grounded Theory. Result: The women were as children exposed to high levels of mental load. Adult psychological functioning, prior to the onset of fibromyalgia, was characterised by insufficient definition of self and dissociation; psychological strengths were used to cover up or desert psychological ’weaknesses’ as negative effects. Later in process an increase in mental load was accompanied by development of fibromyalgia symptoms. The phase of fibromyalgia held three dimensions; a maintained high level of load, mastering strategies as seeking alternative treatment and use of support from others. The stage of recovery or remission was reached proceeded by a pronounced decrease in mental load as improved life conditions or cease of overexertion of body and mind. The stage of conditional recovery was mirrored by the core concept ’on parole -strengthened enough to be weak’. At this stage of process, absence of symptoms was secured by personal growth and less dissociative functioning including careful management of health needs as pacing of activity. Conclusions: Recovery from fibromyalgia seems to be a recovery on parole. Recovery appears to rely on improved self-regulation including less dissociative psychological functioning and ways of living allowed by prosperous conditions of life. © Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
|
|
| 2. |
- Wentz, Kerstin, 1958
(författare)
-
Symptom fluctuation in fibromyalgia. Environmental, psychological and psychobiological influences.
- 2013
-
Bok (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of widespread pain characterized by symptom fluctuations. Analysing these is a basis for learning the nature of the syndrome itself. The book covers development, quantitative patterns, psychobiology, life with fibromyalgia, biomarkers, gaps in pain, environmental factors, affect and defense measures related to mental load and influences on recovery. A focus is on dissociation and environmental influences on maintenance.
|
|
| 3. |
- Wentz, Kerstin, 1958
(författare)
-
Women With Fibromyalgia: Distress Avoidance Interferes with Gaps in Pain
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Journal of Pain Management. - 1939-5914. ; 5:3, s. 245-259
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aetiology and the mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia pain are insufficiently understood. Pain intensity varies with stress. The pain itself is continuous during waking hours for the majority affected. For one in three the pain is interrupted by breaks. The lengths of these pain-gaps vary substantially. Aim: The study aim was to explore initiation, maintenance and termination of these breaks. Method: Twenty-four women with fibromyalgia pain-gaps were interviewed in depth. The interviews were analysed inductively using Grounded Theory. Result: A dominating quality of dissociation keeping distress out of sight meant that psychological vulnerability was dealt with through habitual use of avoidance including incoherence, overemphasis on positive affect and an over-active/health jeopardizing approach. A state of permanent crisis and not accepting fibromyalgia was identified. The disease was unmapped and unmanaged. Unplanned gaps in pain ‘happened’ during happiness/absence from stress, physical conditions of warmth or paced exercise or absorption during joyous events. The pain-gaps were lost during reversed conditions as intense activity or emotional stress. A subgroup of informants had ceased to dissociate. The disease became recognized/managed. Pain-gaps were planned, promoted, preserved and lengthened. Discussion: Careful crisis intervention in treatment of fibromyalgia seems to be an important measure. Automatic forms of dissociation could thereby pass. Regarding aetiology and mechanism in fibromyalgia pain the effect of efforts at dissociating unwanted mental content needs to be investigated further. Suppression and recoil relapse that creates permanent suppression and relapse engendering chronic stress might exert an explanatory power regarding both the development and maintenance of fibromyalgia. Keywords: Fibromyalgia dissociation crisis acceptance rehabilitation aetiology
|
|
