09/03/2024
& Mental Health
'Widespread body pain that can flare up from time to time and associated with fatigue'
These symptoms are commonly seen in a condition called fibromyalgia.
Here are things to know:
1️⃣ Association with Mental health conditions: It's is common to see fibromyalgia in individuals with an ongoing mental health symptoms or diagnosis such as anxiety or depression
2️⃣ Investigations: there are no blood tests that can diagnosis fibromyalgia. Checking for any biochemical disturbances by doing a blood tests is a good starting point to rule out underlying conditions. I usually include B12, Folate, Full blood count, Thyroid function test, Vitamin D, Ferritin (Iron Stores), HBA1C (For Diabetes), Inflammatory markers and possible Rheumatoid arthritis screen.
3️⃣ Role of exercise : It may sound impossible to do but evidence show aerobic exercise helps.
4️⃣ CBT - evidence shows therapy particularly CBT can be helpful helpful particularly in helping affected individuals to cope with pain and of course in helping with mental health conditions
5️⃣Antidepressants : Amitriptyline is a common one to prescribe as it works very well in helping the pain. It also has sedative effects and thus usually taken at night with affected individuals showing improvement in sleep
Dr Tobi Adesanya
Private GP at Marpe Health Clinic
marpewellbeing.uk