Survey of physician experiences and perceptions about the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by widespread pain and is estimated to affect 0.5-5% of the general population. Historically, it has been classified as a rheumatologic disorder, but patients consult physicians from a variety of specialties in seeking diagnosis and ultimately treatment. Patients report considerable delay in receiving a diagnosis after initial presentation, suggesting diagnosis and management of FM might be a challenge to physicians.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of 1622 physicians in six European countries, Mexico and South Korea was conducted. Specialties surveyed included primary care physicians (PCPs; n=809) and equal numbers of rheumatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and pain specialists.

Results

The sample included

SUBMITTER: Perrot S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3502453 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature