Epidemiology, costs, and the economic burden of fibromyalgia

Arthritis Res Ther. 2009 Jun 30;11(3):117. [Epub ahead of print]

Epidemiology, costs, and the economic burden of fibromyalgia.

Spaeth M. Rheumatologische Schwerpunktpraxis, Bahnhofstrasse 95, 82166 Graefelfing, Munich, Germany. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The assumption that fibromyalgia is associated with a major impact on the utilization of both healthcare and nonhealthcare resources has not been thoroughly supported by evidence-based data. Despite the differences between healthcare and sociopolitical systems in various countries, more recent results from epidemiological research now clearly demonstrate the socioeconomic burden of fibromyalgia and its comorbidities. The costs of the disease, calculated in single studies and countries, allow estimates for populations in other countries. The alarming results highlight the urgent need both for more research (including pathophysiology and epidemiology) and for the acceptance of emerging treatment challenges.

PMID: 19591654 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]