Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome predominantly experienced by women and characterized by pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and multiple tender points at distinct locations on the body. Because of its prevalence and the common comorbidity of FM with depression and other conditions that prompt sufferers to seek psychological care, it is incumbent upon psychologists to be familiar with the syndrome, competent to provide assistance to afflicted individuals, and aware of the impact of gender politics on fibromyalgia sufferers. We present an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, a brief summary of etiological possibilities, and a discussion of the experience of illness among affected individuals. We conclude by exploring the social construction of the syndrome from a feminist perspective.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Minding the Body |
| Subtitle of host publication | Psychotherapy in Cases of Chronic and Life-Threatening Illness |
| Editors | Ellyn Kaschak |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Pages | 45-58 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781315786162 |
| ISBN (Print) | 0789013673, 9780789013675 |
| State | Published - Jan 27 2014 |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- General Medicine
- General Social Sciences
Keywords
- Chronic illness
- Fibromyalgia
- Fibrositis
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Feminism*
- Fibromyalgia / psychology*
Disciplines
- Public Health
- Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies