Chronic immunological and neurological diseases are some of the fastest growing health concerns in the world today. Four of the largest are the overlapping conditions known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCSS), and Persian Gulf syndrome (PGS). These illnesses are often characterized by overwhelming fatigue, severe muscle pain, concentration problems, sleep disorders, headaches, allergic symptoms, and numerous other problems that usually last a lifetime.
Fibromyagia has been discussed in the medical literature since the early 1900s. It is felt that many different factors may contribute to the onset of this disorder. For example, an illness, surgical procedure, or physical or emotional trauma may precipitate the onset of this illness. There may also be a 'pre-dispostion' to fibromyalgia since not everyone who experiences these factors develops fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia is not contagious. As individuals experience the symptoms of fatigue and generalized pain they may become physically inactive, anxious and less socially active.
Quality of Life Scale
Researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland evaluated reports of quality oflife from 280 women between the ages of 25 and 75, including healthy controls and women with fibromyalgia, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lung disease, permanent ostomies, and insulin-dependent diabetes. The indicators of quality of life were:
The women with fibromyalgia scored the lowest for quality of life.
