Fibromyalgia: Correct diagnosis for fibromyalgia

By: Thomas K. Van Sistine, MD
January 20, 2000

The average duration from onset to diagnosis of fibromyalgia is approximately 5 to 8 years. Therefore, by the time a diagnosis is made, most patients have seen numerous different physicians and have undergone extensive testing. Still they are often left without satisfying answers.

Fibromyalgia suspecting patients who have been through this process are frequently – and understandably – anxious, frustrated and suspicious. They may have been told that their symptoms are "psychogenic" (such as depression), or perhaps the specter of multiple sclerosis or another disease may have been raised ¹⁰.

Fortunately, many fibromyalgia patients show some subjective improvement in their symptoms after the diagnosis of fibromyalgia has been established and their "demon has been named," which can be a relief in and of itself.

• Please see Specific diagnosis of fibromyalgia for more information.

For fibromyalgia treatment see:

• Medications for Fibromyalgia
• Alternative (Non-medicine) Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Thomas K. Van Sistine, MD
January 20, 2000