A new global survey of Fibromyalgia patients and physicians shows that Fibromyalgia, a chronic widespread pain condition, results in poor quality of life and poses a financial burden on patients often resulting in an inability to work and earn income. The survey also revealed that in most countries it takes patients on average, 1.9 to 2.7 years and between 2 and 4 physicians to receive an accurate diagnosis. So this even further compounds the problem.
The survey said that lack of physician confidence in diagnosing patients may be contributing to the delays in diagnosis. These new survey findings were released today by the European Network of Fibromyalgia Associations (ENFA), a coalition of patient advocacy organizations, and Pfizer Inc, and include findings from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico and S. Korea.
The survey revealed many other interesting tidbits that will be useful for Fibromyalgia patients, physicians, and the public:
- In all countries surveyed, patients with fibromyalgia say they experience 6 to 11 symptoms on average, including chronic widespread pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue and sensitivity to touch.
- Many patients say that their symptoms are are extremely or very disruptive to their overall quality of life.
- Areas of life most affected: physical mobility, overall mood, concentration and memory, motivation and drive.
- Fibromyalgia places a financial burden on patients and can result in missed work days and limited ability or inability to work.
- In European countries surveyed, at least 1 in 5 patients said they have been unable to work and earn an income.
- One-third or patients in Spain say that they have lost their jobs due to Fibromyalgia. This is more than any other country surveyed.
- In most countries approximately 50% of those surveyed say they have missed 10 or more days of work over the last year.
To read more of this survey and results, click the link below:
Source: Fibromyalgia Global Survey
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