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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Fibromyalgia natural history, complications and prognosis

Introduction

Overview

Overview

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder. If left untreated, chronic pain can cause permanent changes in how the body perceives pain. Complications that can develop as a result of fibromyalgia are marked functional impairment, depression, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, and allodynia. Factors associated with poor outcomes are female gender, low socioeconomic status, and being unemployed. Even with appropriate treatment, though symptoms of fibromyalgia sometimes improve, the pain may get worse and continue for months or years.[1]

Natural History

Natural History

If left untreated, chronic pain could cause permanent changes in how the body perceives pain.

Complications

Complications

Complications that can develop as a result of fibromyalgia are

Prognosis

Prognosis

  • Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder. Various factors play a key role in the outcomes. Several factors are associated with poor outcomes, including:
    • Female gender
    • Low socioeconomic status
    • Being unemployed
  • Even with appropriate treatment, symptoms of fibromyalgia do not always improve. The pain may get worse and continue for months or years, though death by fibromyalgia is rare.
References

References

  1. ↑ Häuser W, Burgmer M, Köllner V, Schaefert R, Eich W, Hausteiner-Wiehle C, Henningsen P (2013). “[Fibromyalgia syndrome as a psychosomatic disorder – diagnosis and therapy according to current evidence-based guidelines]”. Z Psychosom Med Psychother (in German). 59 (2): 132–52. doi:10.13109/zptm.2013.59.2.132. PMID 23775553.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]