A systematic review of psychological variables associated with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome: Comparison between individuals with and without this condition.

Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) is a pediatric rheumatologic condition characterized by (1) persistent, widespread musculoskeletal pain in multiple locations and (2) other symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, poor sleep or cognitive symptoms, among others. These alterations may be associated with the development of psychological distress, poorer mental health and lower quality of life, although no clear consensus has been reached. Thus, this study aimed to examine the psychological symptoms associated with JPFS, compared with a healthy comparison group of children and adolescents. A systematic review was registered in Prospero (registration number CRD42023389230) and an electronic search was performed across five databases, using fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain, children, and adolescents as keywords. Out of 1262 articles identified, 15 cross-sectional case-control studies were included after applying inclusion criteria -compare psychological variables between JPFS and healthy children and adolescents-. Publication bias was assessed with SIGN checklist. The results revealed a variety of psychological symptoms associated with JPFS which were categorized in four main domains -psychophysiological, cognitive-emotional, socio-academic and familial- with specific subcategories. In each one, significant differences were observed between groups in most variables, showing worse outcomes for the JPFS group. However, considerable heterogeneity was noted between studies. Future research should clarify psychological symptoms associated with the JPFS in order to enhance diagnosis and treatment.