Researchers have learned about the relationship between stress and pain in depression and fibromyalgia

A recent study by the Central Mannheim Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) found that people with depression and fibromyalgia have similar patterns of emotion dysregulation. The results highlight the close relationship between pain, stress, and emotions. This was reported on December 17 by Medical Xpress magazine.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by constant pain in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Like depression, it often leads to significant disruptions in daily life. Both conditions often occur simultaneously and can reinforce each other.

According to a study, people with depression have similar problems regulating emotions. It is clarified that they often have episodes of self-flagellation and difficulty controlling their emotions. Stress in this process acts as a central amplifier, exacerbating not only pain, but also depressive mood.

"Our data clearly show that pain and mood are inextricably linked and that difficulties in regulating emotions are characteristic of both clinical pictures," said Heike Tost, head of the working group on systemic neurobiology in psychiatry at CIMH, the latest author of the study.

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The analysis showed that stressful situations not only lead to a deterioration in mood, but also significantly increase pain. This is seen in both people with fibromyalgia and people with depression. It is emphasized that many people suffer from this vicious circle on a daily basis.

To gain a deeper understanding of the interactions, the scientists used several methods. The participants filled out scientific questionnaires, reported their condition several times a day via their smartphone, and underwent an MRI scan. This allowed us to explore how well they can regulate their emotional reactions and how active the amidala is, a key area of the brain for processing emotional stimuli.

It has also been found that people with fibromyalgia have increased sensitivity in areas of the brain responsible for pain processing. This may explain why pain in these people is often felt more intensely and over a longer period of time.

On December 7, the Sohu media portal reported on the effects of stress on heart health. According to the publication, strong feelings such as anger, anxiety and depression can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Stress levels, it was claimed, can contribute to an increase in the level of the hormone cortisol, which subsequently negatively affects blood circulation and can lead to hypertension and other diseases.

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