A patient survey of the impact of fibromyalgia and the journey to diagnosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fibromyalgia is a painful, debilitating illness with a prevalence of 0.5-5.0% that affects women more than men. It has been shown that the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is associated with improved patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare utilization. This survey examined the patient journey to having their condition diagnosed and studied the impact of the condition on their life.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of 800 patients with fibromyalgia and 1622 physicians in 6 European countries, Mexico and South Korea. Patients were recruited via their physician.

Results

Over half the patients (61%) were aged 36-59 years, 84% were women, and the mean time since experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms was 6.5 years. Patients had experienced multiple fibromyalgia symptoms

SUBMITTER: Choy E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2874550 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature