Fibromyalgia Information by fibromyalgia-treatment.org
About 20% of FMS patients have a co-existing depression or anxiety state which
needs to be appropriately treated with therapeutic doses of anti-depressants
or anti-anxiety drugs often in conjunction with the help of a clinical psychologist
or psychiatrist. Basically, patients who have a concomitant psychiatric problem
have a double burden to bear. They will find it easier to cope with their FMS,
if the psychiatric condition is appropriately treated. It is important to understand
fibromyalgia syndrome itself is not a psychogenic pain problem and that treatment
of any underlying psychological problems does not cure the fibromyalgia.
Most FMS patients quickly learn there are certain things they do on a daily
basis that seem to make their pain problem worse. These actions usually involve
the repetitive use of muscles or prolonged tensing of a muscle, such as the
muscles of the upper back while looking at a computer screen. Careful detective
work is required by the patient to note these associations and where possible
to modify or eliminate them. Pacing of activities is important; we have recommended
patients use a stop watch that beeps every 20 minutes. Whatever they are doing
at that time should be stopped and a minute should be taken to do something
else. For instance, if they are sitting down, they should get up and walk around
or vice versa. Patients who are involved in fairly vigorous manual occupations
often need to have their work environment modified and may need to be retrained
in a completely different job. Certain people are so severely affected, that
consideration must be given to some form of monetary disability assistance.
This decision requires careful consideration, as disability usually causes adverse
financial consequences as well as a loss of self esteem. In general, doctors
are reluctant to declare fibromyalgia patients disabled and most FMS applicants
are automatically turned down by the Social Security Administration. However,
each patient needs to be evaluated on an individual basis before any recommendations
for or against disability are made.
Fibromyalgia Information by fibromyalgia-treatment.org
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