The fact that FMS exists as a continuum related to distress is a
very important concept. People are much more likely to be distressed if they
have other chronic illnesses. The occurrence of both lupus erythematosus and FMS
together has been well studied. These studies suggest that the fatigue and much
of the joint pain that doctors generally attributed to lupus in the past can be
caused by simultaneous FMS. In fact, some patients who were thought to have
lupus were discovered to have a false positive lupus blood test (antinuclear
antibody) and FMS only.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment of FMS includes education about the illness, participation in
exercise to increase aerobic capabilities, and the use of medicines such as
doxepin hydrochloride to improve sleep. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
recently approved Lyrica® (pregabalin), the first drug to treat fibromyalgia. It
reduces pain and improves function for some patients with fibromyalgia. Cymbalta®
(duloxetene) is an antidepressant which acts by elevating levels of serotonin
and norepinephrine. It is gaining attention as a treatment fibromyalgia.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment designed to develop active,
resourceful, self-management approaches has been reported to be useful. Many
health care providers use an approach that combines the resources of education,
occupational therapy, physical therapy, and group work.