Fibromyalgia (Biographies of Disease)

A fascinating look at the progression of a once-discounted medical disorder, from suspicion of malingering and mental illness to mainline acceptance by the world medical community.

As described in this timely volume, three decades of objective scientific evidence has finally transitioned a suspicious set of symptoms into a real diagnosis for―and potential treatments of―fibromyalgia. It is a revelatory work, focusing on important research discoveries, the struggles of patients, and hopes for a future cure.

Each chapter of Fibromyalgia covers different aspects of the disease and its treatment, including global, economic, and risk statistics; a timeline of key events in the study of fibromyalgia; common symptoms and diagnostic indicators; pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatments; associated disorders and syndromes; and impact of fibromyalgia at home, in the workplace, and in society at large. Adding to the coverage is a firsthand account from a young patient describing her experiences with this disease.

Kim Dupree Jones, PhD, is associate professor of nursing and assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.

Janice Holt Hoffman, CES, is a certified clinical exercise specialist at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.