Der Schmerz
-
Practice Guideline
[Alternative and complementary therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome].
Interdisciplinary S3 level guidelines were devised in cooperation with 8 medical, 2 psychological and 2 patient support groups. Results were elaborated in a multilevel group process. ⋯ Within a multicomponent therapy setting, selective CAM therapies (acupuncture, vegetarian diet, homeopathy, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, music-oriented and body-oriented therapies) can be recommended for a limited period of time.
-
Practice Guideline
[Definition, classification and diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome].
Interdisciplinary guidelines for the definition, classification and diagnosis of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) were developed by collaboration of 10 German medical and psychological associations and 2 patient self-help organizations. ⋯ CWP is defined by the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR--strong consensus). FMS can be diagnosed for clinical purposes by symptom-based criteria (without tender point examination) as well as by the ACR criteria (strong consensus).
-
The guideline was developed by 10 scientific societies and 2 patient self-help organizations and coordinated by the German Association of Pain Therapy (DIVS). The guideline was approved by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany AWMF (AWMF number 041/004), april 17, 2008. No direct or indirect financial support by pharmaceutical companies was involved and there were no potential conflicts of interest for any of the 58 participants of the guideline group. ⋯ Standardized, formal procedures to reach a consensus on recommendations were used. The guideline was reviewed by the board of directors of the societies engaged in the development of the guideline. The guideline will be published in complete and short scientific versions, clinical practice and patient versions.
-
The guidelines aim to provide all professions involved in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) a systematically developed basis for the diagnosis and therapy of FMS. Diagnostic criteria and empirically founded therapies are presented to reduce the currently insufficient medical care for FMS patients. ⋯ Recommendations on the coordination of medical care (inpatient and outpatient treatment by family physicians, medical specialists and other medical professions, care in emergency and rehabilitation hospitals) aim to reduce rivalry between medical societies and to promote an optimal use of resources. A patient version of the guidelines is aimed at improving patients' knowledge on the etiology and effective treatment options available thus promoting an effective self-management of patients.