(319) Consistency of trauma-reporting over time among young-adults with juvenile-onset fibromyalgia

Elevated rates of trauma have been reported in individuals with juvenile-onset fibromyalgia (JFM). However, evidence regarding incidence rates and effects of trauma in JFM is limited through use of inadequate trauma assessment or retrospective reporting. Obtaining accurate trauma history based on self-reports is important for clinical care and research but can be sensitive and difficult to perform. The current study descriptively examined consistency in trauma-reporting over time in young-adults with JFM and explored clinical characteristics of individuals who are inconsistent in their reports across assessments. As part of a longitudinal study, 86 participants with JFM were assessed twice over a two-year period. Lifetime history of trauma was garnered through semi-structured clinical interview. Participants also filled out self-report questionnaires on pain and emotional functioning. Of the 86 JFM participants, 26 reported a trauma history at first assessment (30.2%, Mage=21.2). At two-year follow-up, 77% of participants who initially reported trauma consistently reported the same trauma history and 19% (n=5) failed to report any trauma-history. When compared to consistent-trauma reporters, inconsistent-trauma reporters endorsed more pain locations (Minconsistent=8.25 vs. Mconsistent=6.47) and physical symptoms related to JFM (Minconsistent=16.50 vs. Mconsistent=13.53). Anxiety and depressive symptoms also increased over time (MAnxiety from 19.40 to 27.20 MDepression from 13.82 to 22.04) in the inconsistent-reporting group, compared with the consistent-reporting group where they decreased (MAnxiety from 26.62 to 23.58 MDepression from 18.20 to 17.42). Investigating reporting practices and the role of trauma in JFM is important and accurate and repeated assessment is key. This descriptive study highlights the potential for young-adults with JFM and higher levels of emotional impairment being overlooked in single cross sectional assessments. More research in this area is needed.