Abstract:

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between depression and serum cortisol levels in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM). Tools and Methods: A total of 72 patients were taken to study in the psychiatric clinic after FM diagnosis was placed by physician therapists according to the American Association of Romatology (ACR) criteria, who applied to the physiotherapy clinic, who accepted the study. The data was obtained by filling in the test forms containing the sociodemographic data collection form and the Beck Depression Scale. 39 healthy individuals were taken as a control group. For the determination of cortisol levels, blood samples from patients and control group that conform to the study standards were taken between 08.00-09.00 am. Results: 33% of participants. A mild level of depression has been detected. The serum cortisol average of individuals in the patient group was 10.10 ± 4.08 cg/dL, and the control group individual cortisol average was 11.78 ± 3.6 cg/dL. The result: Our study found that serum cortisol levels in fibromyalgia patients were significantly lower than healthy controls. There was no correlation between depression and serum cortisol levels. This study showed the need for psychiatric evaluation in the treatment of FM patients.

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