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The SCARS Institute Magazine about Scam Victims-Survivors, Scams, Fraud & Cybercrime

Fibromyalgia & Psychological Trauma Link – Medical Health Alert

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Connection Between Psychological Trauma And Fibromyalgia Is A Complex

The connection between psychological trauma and fibromyalgia is a complex and multifaceted one, with growing research suggesting a significant link between the two!

Here’s what is known about the link Between Fibromyalgia and Psychological Trauma

Evidence for the Fibromyalgia and Psychological Trauma Connection

Prevalence: Studies show significantly higher rates of various types of psychological trauma, including childhood abuse, emotional neglect, relationship scams and other crimes, and PTSD, in individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia compared to the general population.
Shared biological mechanisms: Both psychological trauma and fibromyalgia involve alterations in stress response systems, inflammation, and pain processing pathways. Trauma can lead to chronic stress, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and increased inflammatory markers, all of which are also implicated in fibromyalgia.
Neuroimaging studies: Research suggests altered brain activity in regions involved in pain perception and emotional regulation in both psychological trauma and fibromyalgia patients.
Treatment response: Some studies suggest that psychological trauma-focused therapies may improve fibromyalgia symptoms, further highlighting the potential connection.

Possible Explanations for the Fibromyalgia and Psychological Trauma Link:

Neurological sensitization: Psychological trauma can lead to increased sensitivity in pain pathways, making individuals more susceptible to pain from various sources, including chronic widespread pain like fibromyalgia.
Altered pain processing: Psychological trauma can alter how the brain processes pain signals, leading to heightened sensitivity and chronic pain perception.
Dysregulated stress response: Chronic stress from Psychological trauma can disrupt the HPA axis and lead to increased inflammation, contributing to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Genetic vulnerability: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition for both psychological trauma and fibromyalgia, increasing the risk of developing both conditions.

It’s important to note that the connection between psychological trauma and fibromyalgia is not a simple cause-and-effect relationship. Other factors like genetics, physical health conditions, and lifestyle choices likely play a role in the development of fibromyalgia. Be sure to speak with your medical professional about this topic if you are concerned.

Implications for Treatment of Psychological Trauma and Fibromyalgia

Understanding the connection between trauma and fibromyalgia can inform a more holistic approach to treatment.

This may involve:

Trauma-focused therapy: Addressing underlying psychological trauma can help individuals manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Stress management techniques: Techniques like mindfulness and relaxation can help regulate the stress response and potentially reduce pain.
Multimodal treatment: Combining pain management strategies like medication and physical therapy with psychological trauma therapies can provide a comprehensive approach to fibromyalgia.

If You are Living with Fibromyalgia and have experienced Psychological Trauma

It’s important to seek professional help.

A healthcare provider can assess your individual needs and recommend appropriate treatment options. Remember, you are not alone, and there are effective ways to manage both conditions and improve your quality of life.

SCARS Resources:

For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org)
Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
Donate to SCARS and help us help others at donate.AgainstScams.org
Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)

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Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

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The Compulsion of Risk – an Essay by Tim McGuinness Ph.D. – 2025

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Published On: December 14th, 2023Last Updated: December 14th, 2023Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • SCAM VICTIM HEALTH, 2023, ARTICLETags: Fibromyalgia, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Psychological Trauma, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Victim Trauma0 CommentsTotal Views: 562Daily Views: 1558 words2.8 min read

WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT LATEST SITE COMMENTS

See Comments for this Article at the Bottom of the Page

on A Scam Victim in Extreme Distress – Stopping the Pain – 2024: “this post really clarified a lot of things for me, and heled me to understand , there is a lot…” Aug 1, 07:31
on Glimmers of Light – the Positive Side of Experience for Scam Victims – 2025: “Very useful /helpful article for victims suffering from trauma not only of all types” Jul 31, 02:47
on Relationship Scam Victims – Impact On Employment And Jobs – Saving Employment After A Scam: “Trauma, fear of shame, grief can alter how we handle day to day situations such as work or caring for…” Jul 31, 02:08
on Fear Of Contagion: Why Scam Victims Are Harshly Judged And Blamed 2023: “This comment stems from a re-read of this article. I first read it several months ago. I understand that others…” Jul 31, 01:28
on WARNING – Scam Victims Exploited By The News Media – 2024 [UPDATED 2025]: “The article highlights some important information for victims who after years of recovery/support feel “ready” to talk to the media…” Jul 28, 18:54
on WARNING – Scam Victims Exploited By The News Media – 2024 [UPDATED 2025]: “Thank you for this explanation of the potential added on trauma a survivor could be exposed to. Definitely not worth…” Jul 21, 17:13
on Acknowledging The Harm Done – 2025: “Well written article explaining the harm done and why it is necessary to acknowledge it. In part it helped me…” Jul 21, 16:57
on Dear Scam Victim Family & Friends – You Are Also Scam Victims – 2024: “A scam is hard on everyone who loves and cares for the victim. The survivor goes through a lot to…” Jul 21, 14:04
on A Scam Victim in Extreme Distress – Stopping the Pain – 2024: “Jina, we redacted your comments since they do not comply with our policies. However, this does not invalidate what happened…” Jul 20, 21:45
on Waiting to See if Someone is Real – Take a Pause First – 2025: “The pause remains important…actually now the pause is critical. There is nothing, not a financial gain, an item, a meeting,…” Jul 20, 19:55
on Hate for Scammers and Criminals Feels So Good But is So Bad for Scam Victims – 2025: “I struggled for months with forgiveness. Forgiving myself and the criminals. About two months ago I prayed and forgave the…” Jul 20, 16:24
on The Paradox of Pain – 2025: “This is a great article and holds significance for me. Initially after my crime I felt such pain. It would…” Jul 20, 12:19
on A Scam Victim in Extreme Distress – Stopping the Pain – 2024: “[REDACTED FOR POLICY REASONS]” Jul 20, 11:40
on The Unique Injury Of Betrayal Trauma On Scam Victims – 2024: “It will come as recovery progresses, but stopping and then restarting recovery after years makes it harder. Just keep learning…” Jul 19, 21:10
on Waiting to See if Someone is Real – Take a Pause First – 2025: “Very valuable information for all /including myself/ who still struggle with their own impulsive reactions.” Jul 19, 06:21
on The Unique Injury Of Betrayal Trauma On Scam Victims – 2024: “It’s so hard to recover the compassion and reliability in the daily communication with others especially the scam trauma was…” Jul 18, 19:38
on Aren’t We All The Same? Aren’t We All Just Meat-Robots? An essay on Humanity by Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – 2025: “excelente!!! la claridad y la profundidad del análisis son realmente impresionantes. Me aportó mucho leerlo. totalmente de acuerdo entre la…” Jul 16, 11:17
on Savior Syndrome And The Negative Consequences To Them And Other Scam Victims – 2023: “We must heal ourselves before trying to help or heal others. It is easy to get caught up in the…” Jul 16, 11:13
on Anger & Self-Radicalization – Recovery Psychology 2023: “Anger can be useful but most often it is destructive on the individual, their family and friends. I like that…” Jul 16, 10:59
on Residual Fear In Scam Victims – 2024 [UPDATED 2025]: “Thank you for another fantastic SCARS article! I have felt some fear lately, that has caused me to feel tense…” Jul 16, 10:10

Important Information for New Scam Victims

Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery

If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org

If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:

If You Have Been Victimized By A Scam Or Cybercrime

♦ If you are a victim of scams, go to www.ScamVictimsSupport.org for real knowledge and help

♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org

♦ To report criminals, visit https://reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!

♦ Follow us and find our podcasts, webinars, and helpful videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RomancescamsNowcom

♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

♦ Dig deeper into the reality of scams, fraud, and cybercrime at www.ScamsNOW.com and www.RomanceScamsNOW.com

♦ Scam Survivor’s Stories: www.ScamSurvivorStories.org

♦ For Scam Victim Advocates visit www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org

♦ See more scammer photos on www.ScammerPhotos.com

You can also find the SCARS Institute on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TruthSocial

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.