[Fibromyalgia--a dispensable disease term?].

Abstract

The term of "fibromyalgia" has been used increasingly in the last years for chronic widespread pain in particular concerning soft tissues, muscular and extra-articular system including pain in 11 of 18 tender point sites on digital palpation. Scientific proof of an organic disorder could not be established to this day. Psychological causes are more and more considered to be responsible for this problems. Nowadays a psychosomatic disorder is assumed although as well a depression with somatization or a neurosis are discussed. Therapeutical problems and pain coping strategies are described just as the medico-legal assessment for pension scheme. Because the term "fibromyalgia" suggests an organic disorder which does not exist, it seems instead useful to prefer the terms "somatization disorder" or "pain disorder" to make easier the approach to early psychotherapy and to prevent a further chronification.