The role of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in fibromyalgia.

摘要

While the etiological roots of fibromyalgia syndrome remain a mystery, numerous studies have pointed to an imbalance in the neurotransmitter system. An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission can manifest itself in both physiological and psychological symptomology. This study examined the role of neurotransmitter imbalances and suggests a possible neurochemical relationship between anxiety, fibromyalgia and to a lesser extent depression. Urinalysis was used to measure neurotransmitter levels from 10 women between the ages of 25-75, all with a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia status were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire respectively. Descriptive statistics and Pearson r were computed to examine the data. Findings indicated a pattern of neurotransmitter imbalances among subjects. One hundred percent of subjects displayed deficiencies in both serotonin and epinephrine. There was also a positive relationship between FIQ scores and BAI scores, and between BAI scores and neurotransmitter levels. No relationship was found between FIQ scores and BDI scores, or between FIQ scores and neurotransmitter levels. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.