Aims of the guidelines for diagnostic and treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome

The guidelines aim to provide all professions involved in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) a systematically developed basis for the diagnosis and therapy of FMS. Diagnostic criteria and empirically founded therapies are presented to reduce the currently insufficient medical care for FMS patients. Recommendations for a stepwise therapeutic approach are designed to improve the quality of medical care, the implementation of effective treatment options as well as reduction of the utilization of non-effective therapies and improvement of the patient-physician relationship. Recommendations on the coordination of medical care (inpatient and outpatient treatment by family physicians, medical specialists and other medical professions, care in emergency and rehabilitation hospitals) aim to reduce rivalry between medical societies and to promote an optimal use of resources. A patient version of the guidelines is aimed at improving patients' knowledge on the etiology and effective treatment options available thus promoting an effective self-management of patients.