Fibromyalgia disorder

The term "FIBRO-MY-ALGIA" derives from Latin, fibro-, meaning "fibrous tissues", Greek myo-, "muscle", and Greek algos-, "pain"; thus the term literally means "muscle and connective tissue pain". Fibromyalgia (also referred to as FM or FMS) is a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and allodynia (a heightened and painful response to pressure). However, Fibromyalgia symptoms are not restricted to pain. Fibromyalgia is frequently comorbid with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety and stress-related disorders. Some of the neurochemical abnormalities that occur in Fibromyalgia also regulate mood, sleep and energy, thus explaining why mood, sleep and fatigue problems are commonly co-morbid with Fibromyalgia. Not all Fibromyalgia patients experience all associated symptoms. Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2–4% of the population, with a female to male incidence ratio of approximately 9:1. There is no scientific and/or medical consensus as to the cause and true nature of Fibromyalgia. There is no single test that can fully diagnose Fibromyalgia, and, since there is no clear understanding of this medical condition, there is no certainty whether an objective diagnosis is possible. Some patients claim to have improved their physical condition after addressing "depressed metabolic functions" through improved nutrition and addressing "hypothyroidism" (various forms), a condition that is often misdiagnosed or overlooked ("subclinical hypothyroidism").