When to diagnose fibromyalgia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia can be a difficult diagnosis when confounding factors such as concomitant illnesses and psychosocial abnormalities are prominent. Additionally, some patients who appear to have fibromyalgia will not meet current classification criteria. Criteria for clinical diagnosis are suggested. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia means that the clinical believes that the fibromyalgia construct explains the patient's signs and symptoms; however, not all who satisfy criteria need to be diagnosed or will be helped by verbal diagnosis. Appropriately done, making or withholding diagnosis can help patients improve as well as helping those who are not sick, but are worried, remain healthy (and happier) nonpatients.