Quality of life issues for fibromyalgia patients

Objective. To collect information from patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in regard to quality of life, impact of FMS, coping strategies, and w hat they want from their health care providers. Methods. Two hundred seventy support group members in Washington, Illinois, and Pennsylvania completed an 85-item questionnaire. Results. On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being highest positive rating). patien ts ranked past quality of life as 8.6, present quality of life as 4.8, and future quality of life without FMS as 9.2. Respondents indicated that FMS h as had a negative impact on personal relationships, career, and mental heal th. Many also reported a lack of social support. Most respondents reported a variety of coping responses including talking to friends, praying, exerci se, hobbies. relaxation techniques, talking to a professional, and meditati on. Patients reported needing more support, better educated health professi onals, for people to believe that this disease exists, more funding for res eal ch, and better diagnostic tools. Conclusions. Health care workers need to be cognizant of the effect FMS has on qualify of life. Treatment options should not be limited to prescriptio n medication therapy. Patients are using a variety of methods to cope with their FMS symptoms, some positive, but others that are negative, and health care providers need to be alert to negative coping strategies such as alco hol and nonprescription medication abuse.