Definition, classification and diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome

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BACKGROUND: Interdisciplinary guidelines for the definition,
classification and diagnosis of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and
fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) were developed by collaboration of 10
German medical and psychological associations and 2 patient self-help
organizations.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in the Cochrane
Library (1993-12/2006), Medline (1980-2006), PsychInfo
(1966-12/2006), and Scopus (1980-12/2006). Levels of evidence were
assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre
for Evidence-Based Medicine. Grading of the strength of
recommendation was done according to the German program for disease
management guidelines. Standardized procedures to reach a consensus
on recommendations were used.

RESULTS: CWP is defined by the criteria of the American College of
Rheumatology (ACR - strong consensus). FMS can be diagnosed for
clinical purposes by symptom-based criteria (without tender point
examination) as well as by the ACR criteria (strong consensus).