Fibromyalgia Patient Education
Patient Education
- Critical in the optimal management of fibromyalgia
- Goal is to help the patient understand and manage the symptoms optimally, reduce dependence on the medical system and work effectively within the system
- Provide patient and family with information about fibromyalgia, diagnosis and all treatment options
- It should be emphasized that fibromyalgia is a real disease and is not a deforming or a deteriorating disorder
- Great majority of patients have normal and active lives
- Discuss the patient's adherence or nonadherence to the agreed upon treatment strategies and other modalities
- Confirm the diagnosis in an authoritative manner and reassure patients that they can be helped
- Emphasize the role of stress and mood disorder, encourage fibromyalgia patients to learn simple relaxation techniques and to consider formal stress-reduction programs
- Reinforce the importance of proper sleep hygiene