Management of fibromyalgia and comorbid psychiatric disorders

Abstract

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is widespread pain of at least 3 months' duration in combination with pain at 11 or more of 18 specific tender point sites on the body. Many individuals with fibromyalgia also have comorbid psychiatric disorders, which can present diagnostic dilemmas and require additional treatment considerations to optimize patient outcomes. Fibromyalgia has been found to be strongly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, a personal or family history of depression, and accompanying antidepressant treatment. Psychiatric comorbidities negatively impact the severity and course of fibromyalgia. Pharmacotherapy can be employed to control fibromyalgia and comorbid mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, nonpharmacologic therapies for fibromyalgia and comorbid psychiatric disorders include cognitive-behavioral therapy and aerobic exercise. The efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments is examined in this article, as well as the diagnostic difficulties that comorbid disorders present.