A fascinating look at the progression of a once-discounted medical disorder, from suspicion of malingering and mental illness to mainline acceptance by the world medical community.
Not that long ago, patients complaining of severe pain at the slightest touch were all too often met with disbelief from the health care profession, as well as by family, friends, and coworkers. But with cases growing and evidence mounting, this mysterious condition is becoming less mysterious and is increasingly recognized as a genuine illness.
As described in this timely volume, three decades of objective scientific evidence has finally transitioned a suspicious set of symptoms into a real diagnosis for—and potential treatments of—fibromyalgia. It is a revelatory work, focusing on important research discoveries, the struggles of patients, and hopes for a future cure.
Each chapter of Fibromyalgia covers different aspects of the disease and its treatment, including global, economic, and risk statistics; a timeline of key events in the study of fibromyalgia; common symptoms and diagnostic indicators; pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatments; associated disorders and syndromes; and impact of fibromyalgia at home, in the workplace, and in society at large. Adding to the coverage is a firsthand account from a young patient describing her experiences with this disease.
Features
• A historic timeline pinpoints important moments in the efforts to define, diagnose, and relieve fibromyalgia
• A complete glossary helps readers understand potentially difficult medical terminology related to fibromyalgia
Highlights
• Provides an accessible account of important results from scientific research
• Covers diagnosis and treatment from a clinician's perspective, offering the reader a unique view of the treatment decision-making process of medical providers
• Includes a first-person story explaining the impact of this disorder from the perspective of an adolescent patient, giving the reader a way to relate the disorder's impact to their own life
Kim Dupree Jones, PhD, is associate professor of nursing and assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. She has published over 75 research articles on fibromyalgia and is currently the president of the Fibromyalgia Information Foundation.
Janice Holt Hoffman, CES, is a certified clinical exercise specialist at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. She serves on the board of the Fibromyalgia Information Foundation as exercise advisor, and has choreographed and appeared in three fibromyalgia exercise workout DVDs.
Reviews
"Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners."—Choice
"A perfect, updated complement to Sharon Ostalecki's 2007 book Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide."—Library Journal
"Jones (Oregon Health and Science University) and Hoffman (clinical exercise specialist) define fibromyalgia as a syndrome and explain its pathophysiology, the clinician’s role, the assembly of an ideal treatment team, various treatments, and other common disorders found in patients. Intended for both medical professionals and patients, the appendices list drugs often used in treating fibromyalgia with symptoms, provide a fibromyalgia clinical questionnaire, and illustrate exercises for loosening and strengthening muscles."—SciTech Book News
"Fibromyalgia provides general and basic information that is useful to students and anyone interested in learning more about this disease."—ARBAonline
