Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. Whether fibromyalgia is classified as a psychiatric illness is a controversial topic in   Dalili Medical, . In this article, we will review some of the key points to answer this question.

What is fibromyalgia?

 

It is a condition that causes severe musculoskeletal pain, as well as fatigue, sleep problems, and impaired cognition and concentration. It also affects mood, increasing pain sensitivity by changing the way the brain and spinal cord interpret painful and non-painful signals. Symptoms often appear after a traumatic event, such as surgery, infection, or major stress. In some cases, symptoms may develop over time without a clear triggering event. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression are also common among patients.

**Is fibromyalgia an autoimmune disease?**

 

Fibromyalgia is a complex disease whose cause has not been definitively determined. Although it is not classified as an autoimmune disease, there is some evidence that an immune system disorder may contribute to the development of the disease, leading to increased sensitivity to pain.

**Is fibromyalgia a psychological disease?**

 

Although fibromyalgia is associated with psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, it is not considered a purely psychological disease. Fibromyalgia is thought to result from a complex interaction of psychological, biological, and environmental factors. It is important to distinguish between the psychological effects of the disease and its biological origins.

**Is fibromyalgia dangerous?**

 

Fibromyalgia is not a fatal disease, but it can be debilitating due to the chronic pain and fatigue it causes. However, controlling symptoms with appropriate treatment can greatly improve quality of life. Although living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, it is not life-threatening.

How can you tell if you have fibromyalgia?

 

Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia, is a complex health disorder that can be difficult to diagnose. There are a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of this disease. Here is a list of the most important symptoms that may indicate fibromyalgia:

**Chronic widespread pain:**The person feels pain that extends to different areas of the body and lasts for a long time. This pain may be acute or chronic, negatively affecting the quality of life.

**Fatigue and exhaustion:**The person experiences a constant feeling of fatigue even after getting enough sleep. This feeling of exhaustion can be persistent and does not go away even with exercise or rest.

**Difficulty sleeping:**This includes insomnia or the inability to fall into a deep sleep. The person may wake up several times during the night and feel restless upon waking.

**Digestive disorders:** These include digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, in addition to feeling pain and bloating in the abdomen, with the possibility of chronic constipation or diarrhea.

**Climate sensitivity:** Increased sensitivity to climate changes, such as cold or humidity, which leads to worsening symptoms in extreme weather conditions.

**Depression and anxiety:** Fibromyalgia can be accompanied by feelings of sadness or depression, in addition to increased levels of anxiety and psychological stress.

Is fibromyalgia different from lupus and arthritis?

 

Although fibromyalgia may present with symptoms similar to those of lupus or arthritis, and fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as one of these diseases, the causes and treatments differ between these conditions. They are all considered chronic diseases that may take a long time before reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Lupus?

It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body's immune system attacks healthy body tissues as if they were foreign bodies. This leads to widespread inflammation that can damage joints and other parts of the body. Common symptoms of these conditions include widespread chronic pain, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue. However, unlike lupus and arthritis, fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune or inflammatory disorder, and it does not damage joints. Some people may have these conditions together, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis.

Can men be cured of fibromyalgia?

 

Fibromyalgia is not a completely curable condition, but many symptoms can be relieved with the use of certain medications that improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of fatigue. Additionally, antidepressants can play a role in reducing pain and improving sleep quality. Medications used to treat epilepsy may also help relieve pain and fatigue.

What are the causes and risk factors associated with fibromyalgia?

 

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but scientists believe that a variety of factors may contribute to the development of this condition. These factors include:

- Genetics: Certain genetic mutations may increase a person's susceptibility to fibromyalgia.

- Infections: In some cases, fibromyalgia appears to develop as a result of certain diseases.

- Psychological stress and trauma: Physical trauma, such as accidents, or psychological stress, such as divorce or marital conflict, can be triggers for the condition.

Some common factors that increase the risk of fibromyalgia include:

 

- **Gender**: Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.

- **Family history**: Fibromyalgia often runs in families, with individuals who have first-degree relatives with the condition being more likely to develop it.At risk for developing it.

- **Certain disorders**: People with conditions such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may be at higher risk for developing fibromyalgia.

- **Age**: Although this condition can affect people of any age, including children and the elderly, it usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50.

**Why fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose in men**

 

Many people believe that fibromyalgia is a disease that only affects women. A case has been reported of a patient who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and when he consulted another doctor, he was met with a smile and ridicule, as the doctor considered this disease to be specific to women, which prompted the patient to look for other causes for his muscle pain.

The lack of specific laboratory tests to diagnose fibromyalgia in men and women is one of the factors that complicates the diagnosis process.

Many men with fibromyalgia do not seek treatment, perhaps because their symptoms are less severe than women, or because pain attacks are shorter-lasting, or because men can tolerate pain for longer periods.

The psychological nature of men and women differs, as it is known that men tend to reduce complaints when they experience pain, which leads to delaying the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that men may wait more than six months before seeking diagnosis or treatment.

However, if fibromyalgia is affecting the patient's sex life, the waiting period to seek diagnosis and treatment is much less than six months.

**Is fibromyalgia a psychological illness?**

 

**. Definition of fibromyalgia:**Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues, along with sleep disturbances, feeling tired, and problems with memory and concentration.

**. Main symptoms:**

- Chronic pain throughout the body.

- Extreme fatigue.

- Sleep disturbances.

- Problems with memory and concentration (known as "fibromyalgia fog").

- Persistent headaches.

. Possible causes:

- Chemical changes in the brain.

- Genetic factors.

- Effects of inflammation and previous infections.

- Psychological and emotional stress.

. Psychological considerations:

Although some symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, this does not necessarily mean that fibromyalgia is a psychological disorder. Fibromyalgia is considered a psychosomatic disorder, in which neurological and chemical changes in the brain play a role in the appearance of symptoms.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia:

Although fibromyalgia, known as fibromyalgia, is not considered a life-threatening condition, its difficulty lies in the annoying and persistent symptoms that may appear periodically in the form of attacks or continuously in most cases. These symptoms include:

- Back pain that extends to the buttocks or legs.

- Pain and pressure in the neck area and around the shoulders.

- Joint pain.

- Muscle cramps and weakness.

- Morning stiffness or stiffness in muscles, tendons and ligaments, with gradual improvement throughout the day.

- Sleep disturbances, including frequent awakenings and difficulty falling back asleep, resulting in shallow sleep rather than deep sleep.

- Feelings of depression and tension.

- Headaches and headaches.

- Difficulty with memory and concentration.

- Irritable bowel syndrome.

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- General weakness and difficulty performing daily activities normally.

**Tests**

Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. The following tests may be performed:

- Complete blood count

- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

- Cyclic citrullinated peptide test

- Rheumatoid factor, a protein associated with rheumatoid arthritis

- Thyroid function tests

- Antinuclear antibody, a type of antibody that attacks the nucleus of cells

- Celiac disease tests

- Vitamin D, an essential nutrient

**Fibromyalgia symptoms in men**

There are differences between the symptoms of fibromyalgia in men and women. Women experience more severe attacks of pain and muscle stiffness, and these attacks last longer than men.

However, some studies suggest that there is a slight difference in the severity of symptoms between the sexes, but women may have less tolerance than men.

Depression and mood swings may be more common in men, due to their inability to accept the disease or feel weak and unable to perform their daily tasks.

Patients also suffer from widespread pain in the body's muscle mass, in addition to a feeling of general fatigue and constant tiredness.

These symptoms are also accompanied by constant changes in mood and loss of sexual desire towards the partner.

How does fibromyalgia affect the sexual life of spouses?

 

Fibromyalgia negatively and directly affects the sexual life of spouses, as it can prevent the affected person from enjoying his sexual activity normally. The problems that you may face if you have this disease include:

- Low sexual desire.

- Difficulty in sexual performance.

- Severe muscle pain and stiffness during intercourse.

What is the relationship between fibromyalgia and loss of sexual desire in the affected person?

 

Fibromyalgia can affect the sexual life of spouses, as it can sometimes lead to loss of sexual desire.

In this case, it is preferable to consult a doctor to adjust the dose of prescribed medications or look for alternatives.

Loss of libido may be caused by medications used to treat fibromyalgia, such as:

- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

- Milnacipran (Savella)

- Antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft)

You may also experience loss of libido as a result of the psychological stress associated with severe pain and anxiety about it getting worse, in addition to muscle stiffness.Which makes thinking about sexual matters out of reach.

So, it is important to work on changing your lifestyle and finding effective ways to manage stress and prevent the disease from affecting daily activities.

How can a fibromyalgia patient deal with pain associated with intercourse?

 

The patient must realize the importance of not giving up his sexual and emotional desires as a means of escaping the pain that may accompany intercourse with his partner.

It is necessary for the person to be strong and able to control the situation, instead of living a miserable life imposed on him by the disease.

Here are some tips that can help in this context:

If you suffer from muscle pain during intercourse, try to find the most comfortable sexual position for you. For example, if intercourse causes you back pain, you can ask your partner to be on top, or you can lie side by side.

If the patient is female and suffers from muscle pain during intercourse, she can use a pillow to support the body and relieve the pain.

You must always be patient during sexual intercourse. It is important to take things slowly to avoid unexpected pain, and the couple should work together to find mutual pleasure and comfort during intercourse.

How does fibromyalgia affect married life?

 

Marriage is a challenge in itself, and adapting to a life partner is not easy even in normal circumstances. Therefore, marrying someone who suffers from a disease such as fibromyalgia is a big challenge, but it is possible if there is a desire to understand and support, and treat the partner as a friend before being a spouse or life partner.

It is essential for the patient to be frank in explaining all the details related to his illness before entering into a relationship, and he should share with the partner all the matters that may cause frustration in the future.

In addition, all the needs required for life with someone with this type of disease should be clarified, such as understanding the pain he suffers from and how this can affect the activities shared between the couple.

How can challenges related to marital sexual life be dealt with when one of the partners has fibromyalgia?

 

It is essential to address all marital issues quickly, as psychological pressures play a negative role in their impact on the patient, which leads to the exacerbation of symptoms and an increase in unbearable pain. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the following guidelines:

- Start writing down your feelings if the patient is unable to express them verbally at the present moment.

- A third party can be consulted or mediated to resolve disputes between you.

- The patient should be able to express his feelings and the challenges he faces, which will help the other party understand the reasons for his unwillingness to practice some activities.

- Ask your partner to ask you regularly about your health and condition, as this will make it easier for you to express yourself and relieve the psychological pressures that may lead to the exacerbation of marital problems.

- The partner should seek to enhance marital life and support the patient, as the pressures the patient endures may affect the continuity of the relationship.

**Diagnosis of fibromyalgia in men**

Doctors used to rely on examining 18 specific points in the patient's body, and determining the number of points that cause pain when pressed hard.

Now, the main factor required to diagnose the condition is persistent pain in multiple areas of the body for at least three months.

The patient must feel pain in four of the following five areas:

1. The upper left area, which includes the shoulder, jaw, or arm.

2. The upper right area, which includes the arm, jaw, or shoulder.

3. The lower left area, which includes the leg, buttocks, or hip.

4. The lower right area, which includes the buttocks, leg, or hip.

5. The axial area, which includes the back, neck, abdomen, or chest.

It is also recommended to conduct some laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, a rheumatoid factor test, a thyroid function test, and a vitamin D level.

**What are the treatments and medications used to treat fibromyalgia?**

 

Fibromyalgia is treated with a combination of medications and self-care measures. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms while promoting overall health. Although no single treatment fits all symptoms, trying a combination of treatment options can lead to a cumulative positive effect.

**Thermofrequency:**Injecting pain points associated with fibromyalgia, which contributes significantly to relieving the patient's pain. Heat relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow to them, which helps deliver the necessary oxygen and nutrients. Rapid blood flow also helps remove waste resulting from muscle spasms.

Although heat may not completely eliminate the source of pain, it can effectively reduce its severity. The patient may notice an improvement in the level of pain, the end of the accompanying insomnia, and an improvement in his overall quality of life. This also contributes to improving the state of stress and mood.

**Biological therapy:**It is produced using specialized medical devices and specific formulations, as this gas improves blood circulation in the targeted area, relieves pain, acts as an anti-inflammatory, improves mood, and enhances the body's physical and physiological ability, which improves functional and motor performance without any side effects.

**Electrical muscle stimulation:**This technique helps reduce muscle spasms and enhances the secretion of natural painkillers within the body.

**Ultrasound:**These waves are used to produce gentle heat, which improves blood circulation in the deep tissues of the body. They also help reduce muscle spasms, pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

**Medications:** Medications can help relieve fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep quality. Some of the most common options are:

**Pain relievers:** Pain relievers includeAcetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are examples of over-the-counter pain relievers.

**Antidepressants:** Medications such as milnacipran and duloxetine can help relieve the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. To improve sleep, your doctor may recommend medications such as amitriptyline or cyclobenzaprine, which is used as a muscle relaxant.

**Antiepileptic medications:** Some epilepsy medications are effective in reducing certain types of pain.

**Treatments:** There are a variety of treatments that can help you manage the effects of fibromyalgia on your body and life. Here are some examples:

- **Physical therapy:** This involves using exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. A physical therapist can teach you these exercises, and water exercises are especially helpful.

- **Occupational therapy:** A therapist can help you make changes to your work environment or the way you do your tasks to reduce stress on your body.

- **Counseling:** Talking to a counselor can help you build confidence in your skills and provide you with strategies for coping with stressful situations.

. **Balneotherapy**: Spas in the Czech Republic are famous for their mineral waters, which are rich in beneficial natural elements. Bathing in these waters is used to relieve pain and promote blood circulation.

. **Therapeutic massage**:

Spas offer massages by qualified professionals to treat fibromyalgia. Massage helps relieve muscle tension and increase flexibility.

. **Mud therapy**: Mud therapy is an effective natural method, as hot mud is used to stimulate blood circulation and relieve muscle pain.

. **Hydrotherapy**: Spas offer swimming pools dedicated to hydrotherapy, which facilitate movement without additional stress on joints and muscles. 

**Thermotherapy**: Czech spas benefit from thermal therapy through the use of hot baths and saunas, which help relieve pain and improve the function of the nervous system.

**Herbal Therapy**: In the case of fibromyalgia, clinics offer herbal treatments that promote healing and help reduce inflammation and pain.

What lifestyle and home remedies can a person with fibromyalgia adopt?

Self-care is an essential component of managing fibromyalgia. There are several steps that a person with this condition can take to improve their quality of life. These steps include:

**Exercise:** Maintaining regular physical activity is crucial in managing fibromyalgia, and it also helps prevent other health problems. Combining aerobic exercise with strength and stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and strength, which can help improve overall health symptoms, as well as reduce fatigue and increase pain control.

**Sleep:** Lack of sleep is a major factor in the aggravation of fibromyalgia. Therefore, getting enough good quality sleep is an important part of managing fibromyalgia. Good sleep not only helps overcome fatigue and exhaustion, but it can also help relieve pain.

Some ways to improve your sleep quality at night include:

**What to do:**

- Taking a warm bath before bed can help relieve pain and stiffness.

- Establishing a regular routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

- Listening to soothing music before bed.

- Doing light exercise to help reduce muscle tension, but avoiding high-intensity exercise before bed.

**What to avoid:**

- Consuming caffeine in the evening, preferably at least eight hours before bedtime.

- Drinking alcohol close to bedtime.

- Eating heavy meals before bed.

- Smoking before bed.

- Sleeping during the day.

- Watching TV or using digital devices such as smartphones and tablets before bed.

- Checking the time frequently during the night.

Since fibromyalgia symptoms vary from person to person, you can try some of the following tips to see what works for you:

1. **Know your condition**: Understanding your condition can help reduce the fears and anxiety associated with it.

2. **Join a support group**: Find support groups for people with fibromyalgia on social media or in your local community. Talking to others who are facing similar challenges can be helpful.

3. **Seek help**: Don’t hesitate to consult a professional to talk about your feelings, such as anxiety or anger. Counseling can be helpful in dealing with these feelings.

4. **Do mental exercises**: Some people find that puzzles like Sudoku, crosswords, or jigsaw puzzles help relieve “fibromyalgia fog.” These activities stimulate the brain.

5. **Break tasks**: Try to break large tasks into smaller activities, and give yourself breaks in between.

6. **Reduce stress**: Stress and grief can increase the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Try to reduce excessive stress and avoid emotional stress, and take advantage of relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation.