The Existential Controversy of Fibromyalgia

Props to the New York Times for running an article on the existential controversy of fibromyalgia. Most neurologists, being cynical by nature, have long doubted the validity of the diagnosis, which has traditionally been defined by a constellation of nonspecific symptoms but without underlying pathologic findings. I have long believed that fibromyalgia is simply the contemporary version of the nineteenth century's neurasthenia and is a physically experienced manifestation of chronic depression and/or anxiety (and should be treated as such).