The "Human Psychopharmacology" characterizes the fibromyalgia syndrome as a chronic condition. The fibromyalgia condition forms a syndrome due to widespread pain and multiple symptoms that form the basis of the fibromyalgia. Chronic fatigue overlaps with fibromyalgia syndrome due to similar features. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines chronic fatigue syndrome as a incapacitating and complicated disorder portrayed by profound fatigue that shows no improvement with bed rest and that may deteriorate with physical and mental activity.
Fibromyalgia Features
The widespread pain and tender points continue as the primary issues in fibromyalgia. Johns Hopkins Medicine describes the characteristic features of fibromyalgia as stiffness, fatigue, non-refreshing sleep, depression, anxiety and cognitive deficits. "Human Psychopharmacology" reports that women suffer from fibromyalgia ten times more frequently than men do. The abnormalities in fibromyalgia comprise abnormal sensory processing in the nervous system and a dysfunction of the stress response systems.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Update
According to "Drug 2010," individuals using duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin experience a 30 percent reduction in the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Duloxetine and milnacipran belong to the class of drugs called selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Pregabalin, a anti-epilepsy drug, appears as the second category of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration and prescribed for fibromyalgia. "Psychiatry 2010" described pain medicine, muscle relaxants and sleep agents as other pharmacology treatments prescribed for fibromyalgia sufferers. The article indicates that current additional treatment strategies include stress reduction, physical therapy, aerobic exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Chronic Fatigue Features
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown. Individuals describe various other symptoms of weakness, muscle pain, impaired mental concentration and insomnia. The diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome requires the individual to present with symptoms longer than six months and to demonstrate an impact on home and work activities.
Chronic Fatigue Treatment Update
According to Mayo Clinic, no specific drugs or treatments presently exist for chronic fatigue syndrome. Health care providers aim to treat the signs and symptoms of the condition. A mild to moderate amount of exercise with the assistance of physical therapy seems to improve the symptoms. Counseling with a mental health provider assists the individual with chronic fatigue syndrome to identify negative beliefs and behaviors that delay recovery. Sleep medication, depression medication and pain medication help with other symptoms of the condition.
Future Areas for Research
"The American Journal of Managed Care" indicates that despite the available of drugs to treat different symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, research shows most individuals receive only one drug for treatment. The non-use of the drugs appears to be counterproductive and increase the cost of care.
The Food and Drug Administration indicates the drug, sodium oxybate, shows promise as a new drug to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, but on August 22, 2010, the Food and Drug Administration advised more research on the medication. The drug belongs to the category of nervous system depressants and improves sleep in some individuals.
References
- "Human Psychopharmacology"; Fibromyalgia-Pathways and Neurotransmitters; Stephen M. Stahl; 2009
- "Human Psychopharmacology"; Fibromyalgia: A Complex Syndrome; Michael Spaeth & Mike Briley; 2009
- "Drugs 2010:";Pharmacological Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome; Roland Staud; 2010
- "Psychiatry 2010"; Trend Watch: Treatment of Fibromyalgia; Peter Dussias, et al.; 2010
- "The American Journal of Managed Care"; Optimizing the Management of Fibromyalgia; Stuart Silverman, M.D. and William Cardarelli, Pharm.D.; 2010
