Abstract

BACKGROUND:

An interdisciplinary guideline for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic widespread pain (CWP) was developed in cooperation with ten German medical and psychological associations and two patients' self-help organizations.

METHODS:

Using the Cochrane Collaboration Reviews (1993-12/2006), Medline (1980-2006), PsychInfo (1966-12/2006), and Scopus (1980-12/ 2006) a systematic literature search was performed, which included all randomised controlled trials (RCT) evaluating multicomponent therapy in FMS and CWP. Levels of evidence were assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The strength of recommendation was graded according to the German program for disease management guidelines. Consensus was achieved using a multi-step nominal group procedure.

RESULTS:

The short-term use of amitriptyline is strongly recommended (grade A) and the short-term use of fluoxetine und duloxetine is recommended (grade B).

CONCLUSIONS:

The recommendations regarding pharmacological treatment of FMS are limited by the short duration of the RCT, the lack of follow-ups and absence of cost-effectiveness studies.