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Social Influences on the Concept of Fibromyalgia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Harold Merskey
Harold Merskey*
Affiliation:
Dr. Merskey is emeritus professor of psychiatry at, University of Western Ontario in Ontario, Canada
*
71 Logan Ave, London, ON N5Y 2P9; Tel: 519-679-1045; Fax: 519-679-6849; E-mail: harold.merskey@sympatico.ca
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Abstract

Despite relevant evidence of physical illness promoting fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), some authors claim that it is a psychological illness, or due to “psychological amplification.” Good evi-dence for such views is lacking. Selection processes lead to increased rates of psychological illness in general practice and in specialist practice. The phys-ical distress of FMS can increase both anxiety and depression. Questionable research supported by the insurance industry has tended to provide nega-tive and disparaging views of pain. Current imag-ing studies support the view that central effects connected with FMS relate to the processing of noxious stimulation more than affective disorder.

Type
Research Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 13 , Issue S5 , March 2008 , pp. 18 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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