Algo-dysfunctional syndromes: a critical digest of the recent literature

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2015 Jan-Feb;33(1 Suppl 88):S102-8. Epub 2015 Mar 18.

Abstract

The etiopathogenesis of the algo-dysfunctional syndromes, which include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, is still debated, but it is widely accepted that it is best described by a multifactorial model that include genes, environmental factors such as external infections, inflammation, dietary habits, impaired endogenous cortisol production, the aberrant activation of some areas of the central nervous system, and small peripheral nervous fibre damage. This complexity suggests that they should be managed by means of a multidisciplinary approach involving the use of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent scientific acquisitions concerning these syndromes and their treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic* / diagnosis
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic* / etiology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic* / physiopathology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic* / therapy
  • Fibromyalgia* / diagnosis
  • Fibromyalgia* / etiology
  • Fibromyalgia* / physiopathology
  • Fibromyalgia* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / etiology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome