title: Fibromyalgia syndrome in need of effective treatments.
abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic, idiopathic condition of widespread musculoskeletal pain, affecting primarily women. It is clinically characterized by chronic, nonarticular pain and a heightened response to pressure along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, bowel and bladder abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. The diagnostic criteria have changed repeatedly, and there is neither a definitive pathogenesis nor reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Clinical and laboratory studies have provided evidence of altered central pain pathways. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of neuroinflammation with stress peptides triggering the release of neurosenzitizing mediators. The management of FMS requires a multidimensional approach including patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, and pain management. Here we review recent data on the pathogenesis and propose new directions for research and treatment.
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.) theoharis.theoharides@tufts.edu.
authors: Theoharis C
authors: TC
authors: Theoharides
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.).
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Tsilioni
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.).
authors: Lauren
authors: L
authors: Arbetman
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.).
authors: Smaro
authors: S
authors: Panagiotidou
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.).
authors: Julia M
authors: JM
authors: Stewart
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.).
authors: Rae M
authors: RM
authors: Gleason
authors: Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T., I.T., L.A., S.P., J.M.S.); Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (T.C.T.); National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, Logan, Utah (R.M.G.); Fibromyalgia Research and Consulting, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas (I.J.R.).
authors: Irwin J
authors: IJ
authors: Russell
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents