title: Algo-dysfunctional syndromes: a critical digest of the recent literature.
abstract: The etiopathogenesis of the algo-dysfunctional syndromes, which include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, is still debated, but it is widely accepted that it is best described by a multifactorial model that include genes, environmental factors such as external infections, inflammation, dietary habits, impaired endogenous cortisol production, the aberrant activation of some areas of the central nervous system, and small peripheral nervous fibre damage. This complexity suggests that they should be managed by means of a multidisciplinary approach involving the use of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent scientific acquisitions concerning these syndromes and their treatment.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Talotta
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabiola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Atzeni
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bazzichi
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Camillo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giacomelli
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Franco
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Polytechnic University of the Marche, Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Fausto
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salaffi
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Piercarlo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarzi-Puttini
mesh_terms: D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome