Destigmatizing Fibromyalgia

Keywords

Fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia
Hidden Illness

Healthcare Community:

Client
Clinicians
Doctor
Healthcare Community
Healthcare Provider
Healthcare Worker
Patient
Physician
Primary Care
Sufferer

Stigmas:

Assumption
Bias
Judgment
Opinion
Prejudice
Presumption
Public Perception
Social Stigma
Stereotype
Stigma

Other:

Diagnostic Criteria
Educate
Inform
Self-advocacy
Self-advocate
Self-representation
Teach
Train

Introduction to the Topic of Destigmatizing Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a central sensitivity syndrome and a possible pain processing disorder in the brain's pathways. It is considered one of the “invisible diseases” due to the absence of visible symptoms. However, FM patients may experience various symptoms such as widespread muscle and joint pain, headaches, restless leg syndrome, fatigue, sleep disorders, and impaired cognitive function, commonly referred to as “fibro fog”. Very little is known about what causes FM, and there is no cure. FM is difficult to diagnose and treat, given that there is not a confirmed diagnostic test available. Without a proven method of diagnosing and imperceivable symptoms, many patients with FM face the scrutiny of their peers, family, and, at times, their healthcare providers.

Thesis: The stigma of fibromyalgia can complicate patients' lives in many aspects, diminishing their quality of life.

Research Questions:

What do researchers know about fibromyalgia?
What are some common assumptions about patients with fibromyalgia, and how do those assumptions provide the foundation for stigma?
How does skepticism towards fibromyalgia in the medical community impact patients?
Why do some people see fibromyalgia as a “woman’s disease”?
How can patients self-advocate when faced with medical professionals who question the validity of fibromyalgia?

SciShow Psych. (2018, October 2). Real Pain and 'Explosive' Brains: Fibromyalgia [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/rJEcJKflGjs.

Start Your Research Here

Ford-Martin, P., Webb, M. R., & Hodgkins, F. (2020). Fibromyalgia. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), Gale virtual reference library: The Gale encyclopedia of medicine (6th ed.). http://skagit.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/galegm/fibromyalgia/0?institutionId=5696

This article from The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine provides basic background information about fibromyalgia. The article also provides information regarding key terms associated with fibromyalgia. While the article is not lengthy, it defines fibromyalgia and discusses possible causes and symptoms. The first drug approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia, Lyrica, is mentioned along with a few other treatments.

Jones, K. (Ed.), (2016). Fibromyalgia. Health reference series: Arthritis sourcebook: Basic consumer health information about the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, gout, infectious arthritis, and auto-immune disorders associated with arthritis, along with facts about medications ... (4th ed.). Omnigraphics, Inc. Credo Reference: http://skagit.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/ogizlbq/fibromyalgia/0?institutionId=5696

This article is a great place to start any research involving fibromyalgia. It has concise information giving readers a well-rounded introduction to the topic. The article briefly describes the disease, symptoms, treatments, facts, etc.

Best Databases/Search Engines

Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
With Academic Source Complete, there are multiple options allowing the user to narrow down their search. There is an option to view only peer-reviewed scholarly articles, which is a useful tool for writing scholarly papers.
CINAHL This link opens in a new window
CINAHL provides an abundance of scholarly medical journals. This is an excellent source for any medical research, including fibromyalgia.
Credo Reference Database This link opens in a new window
This online encyclopedia will provide the basic foundation of a search topic, such as fibromyalgia. The core information needed to begin research on fibromyalgia can be found on Credo.
Facts on File: Issues and Controversies This link opens in a new window
A pro/con argument will not be found on the topic of fibromyalgia in this database. However, it will provide a descriptive general overview that can be beneficial.

Google Scholar
This search engine is helpful and offers different sources than what can be found in the library databases. It is imperative to understand the difference between scholarly and non-scholarly articles when using this database for source material. Additionally, many of the sources are not free.

ProQuest This link opens in a new window
A great database that gives access to renowned journals, newspapers, magazines, etc. A good tool to find a different selection of sources for topics such as fibromyalgia.
PubMed This link opens in a new window
A fantastic search engine to locate a variety of medical articles over fibromyalgia. Be mindful of where the article is coming from and if it is scholarly and peer-reviewed.

PubMed does not include the full text of journal articles; however, click the icon in the top right corner of the abstract display to link to the full text, if available. In addition, the abstract display may include a LinkOut – more resources link located at the bottom of the display, with additional full text sources.

Student Research Guide:Fibromyalgia: Home

Destigmatizing Fibromyalgia

Keywords

Introduction to the Topic of Destigmatizing Fibromyalgia

Start Your Research Here

Best Databases/Search Engines