MHM Magazine

18 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 4 | 2021 MHM F ibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood condition, causing chronic pain and fatigue, impacting sufferers’ mental health, ability to work and quality of life – and predominantly affecting women, 6 to 9 times more than men.  It is a condition considered “medically ill-defined” and confirming a diagnosis can take up to up to five years of eliminating other possible causes while battling stigma and scepticism, causing severe mental strain and a significant financial burden even for patients with medical aid cover. With health in focus in Women’s Month of August, specialist neuropsychiatrist and member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), Dr Anersha Pillay said that a growing understanding and recognition of fibromyalgia as a genuine disorder, and not something “all in the mind” as it was seen in the past, had led to a range of treatments that are credible, scientifically evaluated and making a real difference in sufferers being able to live more normal lives. There are medications to assist with the most common symptoms of severe pain and sleep difficulties, whilst cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in managing the psychological aspects of fibromyalgia. In addition, exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction techniques have been proven beneficial for pain management, improved sleep and overall wellbeing, she said. Dr Pillay, said that fibromyalgia affects 2 to 5% of the population 1  globally, and an estimated 3% in South Africa, causing chronic pain that mainly affects the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones and joints). Along with widespread pain, By Linda Christenson SASOP Press Office FIBROMYALGIA – MISUNDERSTOOD AND MEDICALLY ILL-DEFINED 63% of patients with fibromyalgia suffer from mood, sleep and cognitive disorders, and depression