Economic and humanistic burden of fibromyalgia in the USA

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic condition involving persistent and widespread pain of unknown origin. In the USA the syndrome affects approximately 2% of the population, with prevalence increasing with age, and has a greater predominance in females. The results of this review have found that there is a considerable economic burden associated with this disease, and in particular, the effect of the syndrome on economic losses associated with work activities is at least as important as direct medical costs. The humanistic burden is more difficult to quantify due to the numerous symptoms associated with this disease: widespread pain, persistent fatigue, feeling of weakness, sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, bowel and bladder irritability, mood disturbances, cognitive difficulties, dyesthesia/parethesia, chronic rhinitis, palpitations, auditory/vestibular/ocular complaints, regional pain and joint swelling. Overall, additional research is needed to quantify the impact of fibromyalgia on sufferers in the USA and the cost-effectiveness of alternative treatment strategies.