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A patient with fibromyalgia at a general practitioner's appointment – what to look out for

https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-28-7-14

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the developed world, with a prevalence of 2–3 cases per 100 inhabitants. The predominant manifestation of FM is characterised by persistent generalized pain, frequently accompanied by a plethora of psychoemotional and dysfunctional disorders, including sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety and depression, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and numerous others. FM frequently occurs in conjunction with systemic rheumatic diseases. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, the frequency reaches 20–30%.

Despite widespread interest, FM remains a largely understudied pathology to date. The diversity of clinical symptoms, excessive emotionality and difficult psychological mood of patients often determine difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This determines the need to form a clear algorithm of actions, which will help the general practitioner to successfully consult patients with suspicion of this disease, to conduct an effective diagnostic search and determine the possibilities of its complex therapy.

About the Authors

A. E. Karateev
V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
Russian Federation

Karateev Andrey E., DM Sci (habil.), head of the Laboratory of Pain
Pathophysiology and Polymorphism of Rheumatic Diseases

SCOPUD ID: 6603615916

Moscow



E. S. Filatova
V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
Russian Federation

Filatova Ekaterina S., DM Sci (habil.), senior researcher at the Laboratory of Pathophysiology of Pain and Polymorphism of Rheumatic Diseases

SCOPUS ID: 57212194160

Moscow



A. M. Lila
V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology; Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation

Lila Alexander M., RAS corresponding member, DM Sci (habil.), professor, director; head of Dept of Rheumatology, chief freelance rheumatologist of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation

SCOPUS ID: 6602550827

Moscow



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For citations:


Karateev A.E., Filatova E.S., Lila A.M. A patient with fibromyalgia at a general practitioner's appointment – what to look out for. Medical alphabet. 2025;(28):7-14. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-28-7-14

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ISSN 2078-5631 (Print)
ISSN 2949-2807 (Online)