Research Plus

Fibromyalgia treatment meta-analysis

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder associated with multiple debilitating symptoms and, it has been suggested, may share a common pathophysiology with chronic fatigue syndrome. A meta-analysis on the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with antidepressants identified 18 randomised controlled trials, covering 1,427 participants; three studies included information on working status. There is strong evidence for an association of antidepressants with a reduction in pain, fatigue, depressed mood, sleep disturbances and with improved health-related quality of life.

Journal of the American Medical Association 2009; 301(2): 198–209.  http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=183189

Tags antidepressants cfs chronic fatigue syndrome evidence based practice

Occupational Health at Work February/March 2009 (vol. 05/5) pp41