From fibrositis to functional somatic syndromes to a bell-shaped curve of pain and sensory sensitivity: evolution of a clinical construct

Abstract

This article attempts to demonstrate insight into understanding the evolving spectrum of functional somatic syndromes. It will become evident that in understanding these highly complex disorders, neither the Cartesian dichotomy regarding body-mind distinction nor the pure reductionist approach to disease (which attempts to explain clinical phenomena on the basis of underlying structural derangement) can be strictly adhered to. Only use of a truly integrative framework of thinking can allow us to both recognize and accept the overlapping basic similarity between these conditions and, in turn, teach us about nearly any medical condition characterized by pain or sensory symptoms.