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Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Erin Wolf B.S.N., M.S., PA-C
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by widespread pain and sensitivity for which the mechanism is still not well understood. Increased awareness and research in the past decade have yielded better treatment options for patients, but further research is still needed in order for healthcare providers to more effectively treat patients with this chronic condition. There are some clinicians who still do not accept the legitimacy of fibromyalgia, making it even more difficult for patients with this diagnosis to receive proper treatment. Current estimates put fibromyalgia prevalence in the general population to be around 2% with about 60% of cases occurring in women versus men.1 It is likely that prevalence is even higher since many patients with this condition never receive a proper diagnosis. Since fibromyalgia can cause significant impairment in the quality of life for patients, it is important that healthcare providers better understand current treatment recommendations and continue to advocate for patients with fibromyalgia.
1. Wolfe F, Walitt B, Perrot S, Rasker JJ, Häuser W. Fibromyalgia diagnosis and biased assessment: Sex, prevalence and bias. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(9):1-14. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0203755
Recommended Citation
Franzone, Emily, "Current Recommendations and Future Considerations in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia" (2022). Capstone Showcase. 19.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2022/pa/19
Current Recommendations and Future Considerations in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by widespread pain and sensitivity for which the mechanism is still not well understood. Increased awareness and research in the past decade have yielded better treatment options for patients, but further research is still needed in order for healthcare providers to more effectively treat patients with this chronic condition. There are some clinicians who still do not accept the legitimacy of fibromyalgia, making it even more difficult for patients with this diagnosis to receive proper treatment. Current estimates put fibromyalgia prevalence in the general population to be around 2% with about 60% of cases occurring in women versus men.1 It is likely that prevalence is even higher since many patients with this condition never receive a proper diagnosis. Since fibromyalgia can cause significant impairment in the quality of life for patients, it is important that healthcare providers better understand current treatment recommendations and continue to advocate for patients with fibromyalgia.
1. Wolfe F, Walitt B, Perrot S, Rasker JJ, Häuser W. Fibromyalgia diagnosis and biased assessment: Sex, prevalence and bias. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(9):1-14. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0203755