title: Is fibromyalgia a distinct clinical entity? The patient's evidence.
abstract: In the eyes of a person with fibromyalgia syndrome, their pain and other symptoms are real. By the time a patient seeks medical care for fibromyalgia, they will have probably endured criticism and misunderstandings about the invisible nature of their symptoms. Patients are genuinely disturbed that their bodies are not performing up to par, while at the same time, their family, friends and employers are placing demands on them that can't be met. No one would want to be placed in such a frustrating and painful predicament, so naturally this situation becomes the driving force for fibromyalgia patients who are seeking medical advice. Unfortunately, lack of understanding about the neurophysiology of chronic pain syndromes and the advent of evidence-based medicine leads to restricted care for patients who really need a physician's help. The best prescription for aiding people with fibromyalgia undoubtedly includes a physician with an open mind on treatment options.
authors.affiliation: American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, Inc., Tucson, AZ 85715, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thorson
mesh_terms: D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010344:Patient Advocacy