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Fibromyalgia: patient perspectives on symptoms, symptom management, and provider utilization.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Wassem, R; McDonald, M; Racine, J
Published in: Clin Nurse Spec
January 2002

Two surveys of individuals with fibromyalgia were conducted to assess the frequency and prevalence of symptoms (N = 99) as well as healthcare providers, medications, and self-care activities used to manage one's fibromyalgia (N = 54). The pervasiveness of symptoms was striking, with 24 various symptoms ranging from cognitive to intestinal problems occurring in at least 75% of the respondents. Significant correlations were present between health status and both physical (P = .002) and psychological (P =.008) symptoms. There was also a significant correlation between the total number of symptoms and the degree of life disruption attributed to fibromyalgia (P =.015). A variety of healthcare professionals were seen, with internists, family physicians, and rheumatologist most frequently used. Although at least 80% of the respondents reported difficulty with anxiety, confusion, irritability, depression, and cognitive difficulties, less than 10% of the respondents reported seeing a psychiatrist. Most frequently used medications were: amitriptyline, (fluoxetine HCl) Prozac, ibuprofen (Motrin), sertraline HCI (Zoloft), and zolpidem (Ambein). Self-care activities used with the most success were walking, stretching, and exercising. These studies indicate the need for more research and support for healthcare providers as well as patients with fibromyalgia.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Clin Nurse Spec

DOI

ISSN

0887-6274

Publication Date

January 2002

Volume

16

Issue

1

Start / End Page

24 / 28

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Nursing
  • Humans
  • Health Services
  • Health Behavior
  • Fibromyalgia
  • 1110 Nursing
 

Citation

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Wassem, R., McDonald, M., & Racine, J. (2002). Fibromyalgia: patient perspectives on symptoms, symptom management, and provider utilization. Clin Nurse Spec, 16(1), 24–28. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002800-200201000-00009
Wassem, Rebecca, Marie McDonald, and Janet Racine. “Fibromyalgia: patient perspectives on symptoms, symptom management, and provider utilization.Clin Nurse Spec 16, no. 1 (January 2002): 24–28. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002800-200201000-00009.
Wassem R, McDonald M, Racine J. Fibromyalgia: patient perspectives on symptoms, symptom management, and provider utilization. Clin Nurse Spec. 2002 Jan;16(1):24–8.
Wassem, Rebecca, et al. “Fibromyalgia: patient perspectives on symptoms, symptom management, and provider utilization.Clin Nurse Spec, vol. 16, no. 1, Jan. 2002, pp. 24–28. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/00002800-200201000-00009.
Wassem R, McDonald M, Racine J. Fibromyalgia: patient perspectives on symptoms, symptom management, and provider utilization. Clin Nurse Spec. 2002 Jan;16(1):24–28.

Published In

Clin Nurse Spec

DOI

ISSN

0887-6274

Publication Date

January 2002

Volume

16

Issue

1

Start / End Page

24 / 28

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Nursing
  • Humans
  • Health Services
  • Health Behavior
  • Fibromyalgia
  • 1110 Nursing