Drug firms Pfizer and Eli Lilly are promoting drugs to treat fibromyalgia, an ailment characterized by pain, fatigue and depression.
But some doctors say the marketing buzz in drowning out important questions about the condition, including:
WHAT'S THE CAUSE? There is still no agreement on what causes fibromyalgia, though soem scientists point to abnormalities in the nervous system.
WHERE'S THE TEST? Unlike other pain conditions, such as arthritis, there is no medical test for fibromyalgia. Instead, doctors make a diagnosis by examining patiens and listening to descriptions of symptoms.
WHAT'S UNIQUE? A quarter of patients diagnosed also fit the criteria of other disorders, raising questions about whether fibromyalgia is a unique disease.
MIND OVER MATTER? Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia are more likely to have a history of mental illness, be overweight and economically disadvantaged. Some doctors say their sufferings may stem from difficult circumstances rather than disease.
The above was an article in my local newspaper written by the Associated Press. I have to tell you I do not agree with with a lot what they are saying perhaps overweight, but history of mental illness forget it. I have had osteoarthritis for a lot of years then when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and given prednisone to get it under control is when I got fibromyalgia, diabetes and a few more other problems. For a few years I have been on an anti-depressent because they said it was prescribed to conteract the pain. Probably because I cannot take anti-inflamatory drugs.
I would be interested to hear my Fibro Friends feed back on this article.