The Future of Fibromyalgia:

Abstract

Objectives: To identify issues of importance regarding the validitiy of the fibromyalgia construct, its pathogenesis, treatment and outcome. Findings: Major unresolved iddues regarding construct, diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment effect and outcome exist. Confusion between epiphenomena and pathogenetic abnormalities are common. Therapy has not been effective though statistically significant benefit has been demonstrated. Conclusion: Future research needs to consider fibromyalgia as a continuum rather than a discrete syndrome or "disease." Pathogenetic studies need to consider psychological factors more prominently. Longitudinal studies of outcome are important. New outcome measures need to be developed.