Pain, disability, and physical functioning in subgroups of patients with fibromyalgia.

Abstract

Patients with FM can be classified into 3 subgroups based on psychosocial and behavioral characteristics. These subgroups show substantial differences in clinical presentation of their symptoms. Although the results should be considered preliminary due to the narrow range of physical functioning, the differential relationships between perceived disability and physical functioning across cluster groups suggest the importance of FM syndrome as a heterogeneous disorder. Treating patients with FM as a homogeneous group may compromise research results, impede understanding of the mechanisms underlying this condition, and deter development of effective treatment.