ABSTRACT
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a functional pain syndrome characterized by chronic musculoskeletal widespread pain associated with fatigue, non-restorative sleep, and cognitive dysfunction. Pathophysiology of FMS is not fully understood, although an increasing body of evidence supports the notion of central dysfunction. Psychological factors can predispose, trigger, and worsen FMS-symptoms. Childhood/adulthood emotional, physical, sexual abuse, or neglect are considered to be a significant risk factor for the development of FMS. Victimization and subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder may serve as moderating variables between trauma in childhood/adulthood and the development of chronic widespread pain in the long term.
Management of FMS patients is challenging, as a lot of FMS patients do not sufficiently respond to most treatments, and symptoms may persist throughout their lifetime. Psychological interventions have shown promising effects and therefore have been recommended in evidence-based guidelines. Recent evidence supports the notion that hypnosis, combined with a standard medical treatment and a daily practice of self-hypnosis, may be a useful and safe adjunct tool to manage chronic pain and associated symptoms as well as disability. Long-term treatment and self-management are often needed for positive therapeutic outcome with improvement of health-related quality of life maintained and even improved across time.
