New directions in fibromyalgia

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Symptomatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fibromyalgia is a prevalent disorder.
• It is characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
• Differential diagnosis is broad, including rheumatic diseases and other conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current understanding of fibromyalgia.
• To highlight new diagnostic guidelines.
• To review available and emerging treatment options.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and diagnostic guidelines.
• Analysis of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment modalities.
• Inclusion of recently approved medications.

Main Results:

• New diagnostic guidelines emphasize the recognition of multiple somatic symptoms.
• Both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are available.
• Three new medications have been recently approved for fibromyalgia treatment.

Conclusions:

• Fibromyalgia diagnosis requires consideration of diverse somatic symptoms.
• A multimodal approach to treatment is recommended.
• Recent medication approvals offer new therapeutic avenues for patients.