PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Theoharis C. Theoharides
AU  - Irene Tsilioni
AU  - Lauren Arbetman
AU  - Smaro Panagiotidou
AU  - Julia M. Stewart
AU  - Rae M. Gleason
AU  - Irwin J. Russell
TI  - Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Need of Effective Treatments
AID  - 10.1124/jpet.115.227298
DP  - 2015 Nov 01
TA  - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
PG  - 255--263
VI  - 355
IP  - 2
4099  - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/355/2/255.short
4100  - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/355/2/255.full
SO  - J Pharmacol Exp Ther2015 Nov 01; 355
AB  - Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic, idiopathic condition of widespread musculoskeletal pain, affecting primarily women. It is clinically characterized by chronic, nonarticular pain and a heightened response to pressure along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, bowel and bladder abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. The diagnostic criteria have changed repeatedly, and there is neither a definitive pathogenesis nor reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Clinical and laboratory studies have provided evidence of altered central pain pathways. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of neuroinflammation with stress peptides triggering the release of neurosenzitizing mediators. The management of FMS requires a multidimensional approach including patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, and pain management. Here we review recent data on the pathogenesis and propose new directions for research and treatment.