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CO-CURE Medical & Research Posts Only Digest - 18 Dec 2006 to 25 Dec 2006 (#2006-58)
There are 11 messages in this issue. Topics of the week:
3. RES: Erythrocyte oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome
4. MED: Clarification of Dr. Cheney's theory
5. RES: CFS/ME & FM papers, published since November 2006
6. RES: Managing chronic fatigue syndrome in U.K. primary care: challenges and opportunities
8. RES: Effects of elevated plasma tryptophan on brain activation associated with the Stroop task
9. RES: Does the high frequency of manic symptoms in fibromyalgia influence the choice of treatment?
11. RES: Sexual functioning of women with fibromyalgia
[Return to digest index] --------------------------------------------- This is a special digest of Co-Cure Research & Medical posts only Problems? Write to mailto:mods@co-cure.org --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 13:09:28 -0500 From: Fred Springfield <fredspringfield@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Possible mechanisms of chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis [Possible mechanisms of chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis] [Article in Russian] Journal: Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2006;Spec No 3:87-91. [No authors listed] NLM Citation: PMID: 17172241 One of frequent presentations of multiple sclerosis (MS) is chronic fatigue that may be determined as a subjective decrease of the physic and/or psychic energy level. Fatigue can be divided into asthenia (fatigue in resting state), pathological fatigability (exhaustion during physical loading) and fatigue concomitant with other symptoms (MS exacerbation). There are central as well as peripheral mechanisms of fatigue formation. Frequent is a combination of fatigue and affective disorders in MS, in particular depression, as well as sleep disturbances (insomnia, restless legs syndrome) that may indicate the common origin of their mechanisms, i.e. reduction of serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems activity. Endocrinal and autoimmune components are considered as important in fatigue syndrome formation, the latter exerting more influence on asthenia than on pathological fatigability. Further investigation into pathogenetic mechanisms of asthenia (fatigue in resting state), pathological fatigability (fatigue in active state) and specification of their differential diagnostic features allow not only to understand the essence of this syndrome but to choose an adequate individualized therapy. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 13:12:00 -0500 From: Fred Springfield <fredspringfield@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: The peculiarities of formation and approaches to the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in young patients with focal brain damage [The peculiarities of formation and approaches to the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in young patients with focal brain damage] [Article in Russian] Journal: Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2006;Spec No 3:122-9. [No authors listed] NLM Citation: PMID: 17172247 Chronic fatigue (CF) is a syndrome manifesting in cases with focal brain damage. It is frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) and encephalopathies (post-traumatic, cerebrovascular, etc). Treatment of this syndrome remains problematic. The study aimed to analyze the genesis of CF in patients with different non-active neurological diseases with brain damage and possibility of its treatment with the complex drug fezam (piracetam plus cinnarizin) in dosage 2 capsules 3 times per day. Before the treatment, all the patients had CF, which was directly associated with severity of depression in patients with encephalopathies. In MS patients, changes in the valuable-and-sense sphere that plays a significant role in human behavior and activity underlying self-regulation in critical situations were found. Neuropsychological data revealed that in patients with encephalopathies psychological and behavioral aspects were more significant in regard with CF genesis than in patients with MS. Fesam caused significant decrease of the CF severity, which was more prominent in the MS group, while in another group it was associated with a decrease of depression severity. Mild side-effects were observed in 6 patients (12%) and appeared mainly as sleep disorders. This trial allows recommending Fezam for complex treatment of CF syndrome in MS and in combination with psychocorrective medicines in cases of encephalopathies. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 13:15:09 -0500 From: Fred Springfield <fredspringfield@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Erythrocyte oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome Erythrocyte oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal: Arch Med Res. 2007 Jan;38(1):94-8. Epub 2006 Nov 3. Authors: Richards RS, Wang L, Jelinek H. Affiliation: School of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia. NLM Citation: PMID: 17174731 BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that a link exists between erythrocyte metabolism (particularly redox metabolism) and erythrocyte shape and that both are related to erythrocyte deformability. The aim of this research is to confirm the results of earlier studies and to investigate a correlation between erythrocyte morphology and erythrocyte oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: Reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), methemoglobin (metHb) and 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) were measured in 31 patients suffering from CFS and 41 healthy control subjects. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the erythrocytes from both groups were also carried out. RESULTS: There was evidence of oxidative damage in CFS with statistically significant increases in 2,3-DPG (p <0.05), metHb (p <0.005) and MDA (p <0.01). The CFS patients in this study also had significantly more stomatocytes in their blood than the normal subjects (p <0.005). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong likelihood that the increase in erythrocyte antioxidant activity is associated with the presence of stomatocytes. The results of this study provide further evidence for the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of CFS and a link between erythrocyte metabolism and erythrocyte shape. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:04:15 -0500 From: "From Carol Sieverling <dfwcfids58@xxxxx.xxx> via Co-Cure Moderator" Subject: MED: Clarification of Dr. Cheney's theory Dr. Paul Cheney's theory of CFS was inaccurately described in a post to this list on December 13th. [See http://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0612B&L=CO-CURE&P=R3801 ] I spoke with Dr. Cheney today, and he asked me to post a clarification. The incorrect statement read, "Dr. Cheney is known as a proponent of the "cardio" theory that describes CFS symptoms as the body's compensatory response to heart damage." Here is the clarification from Dr. Cheney: A heart problem is not the initiating event in CFS. A cellular energy problem lies at the core of this illness. Like all other body systems, the heart is affected. Key enzyme sytems that neutralize the potentially harmful byproducts of energy production are not functioning properly. Thus CFS patients protect themselves from these highly damaging free radicals by lowering energy production. Fatigue is thus a protective, compensatory response to the severe damage that would otherwise result from normal energy production. Dr. Cheney also stated that the disability experienced by many CFS patients is not simply a result of the energy deficits in the heart, but also the energy deficits in the brain, the liver/gut, etc. He further stated that given the nature of the underlying problem, the heart responds to energetic treatments - not the usual cardiac approaches. I would like to add that when it comes to the heart problem in CFS, it is very difficult to get adequate testing and diagnosis because this involves diastolic dysfunction, not systolic dysfunction. In other words, our hearts can pump just fine but they do not fill properly. Though it's very counterintuitive, it takes energy for the ventricle to expand and fill, but no energy for it to contract and pump. (Think of it as a rubberband.) This is a rather new area of cardiology, and most cardiologists are familar with the diagnosis and treatment of systolic problems, not diastolic. Dr. Cheney spoke for over three hours on this subject (and CFS in general) in September. He gave a many details on his latest treatment protocol and the early exciting results of his current study which utilizes this treatment. A two-disc DVD of this seminar is available. For more information on the DVD set and how to order it see the second paragraph of the homepage at www.dfwcfids.org . Carol Sieverling [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2006 09:05:36 +0100 From: "Dr. Marc-Alexander Fluks" <fluks@xxx.xx> Subject: RES: CFS/ME & FM papers, published since November 2006 Source: NCBI PubMed Date: December 20, 2006 URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi Topic=((chronic fatigue) OR (myalgic encephalomyelitis)) OR fibromyalgia Ref: In the update, you will only find journals that are indexed by Medline (PubMed). All scientific papers 1938-today, http://www.me-net.dds.nl/library/literature.html#publications Search scientific papers, http://www.me-net.dds.nl/library/literature.html#catalogue Figures computer analysis scientific papers: http://www.me-net.dds.nl/library/literature.html#figure All popular papers 1900-today, http://www.me-net.dds.nl/library/literature.html#popular CFS/ME & FM papers, published since November 2006 ------------------------------------------------- ___ Richards RS, Wang L, Jelinek H. Erythrocyte oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome. Arch Med Res. 2007 Jan;38(1):94-8. ___ [No authors listed] The peculiarities of formation and approaches to the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in young patients with focal brain damage [Russian]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2006;Spec No 3:122-9. ___ [No authors listed] Possible mechanisms of chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis [Russian]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2006;Spec No 3:87-91. ___ Sherlin L, Budzynski T, Kogan Budzynski H, Congedo M, Fischer ME, Buchwald D. Low-resolution electromagnetic brain tomography (LORETA) of monozygotic twins discordant for chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuroimage. 2006 Dec 12. ___ Baker K, Barkhuizen A. Pharmacologic treatment of fibromyalgia. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2006 Dec;8(6):464-9. ___ Loevinger BL, Muller D, Alonso C, Coe CL. Metabolic syndrome in women with chronic pain. Metabolism. 2007 Jan;56(1):87-93. ___ Maes M, Mihaylova I, Leunis JC. Chronic fatigue syndrome is accompanied by an IgM-related immune response directed against neopitopes formed by oxidative or nitrosative damage to lipids and proteins. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2006 Oct 12;27(5). ___ Guise J, Widdicombe S, McKinlay A. 'What is it like to have ME?': The discursive construction of ME in computer-mediated communication and face-to-face interaction. Health (London). 2007 Jan;11(1):87-108. ___ Baraniuk JN, Ho Le U. The nonallergic rhinitis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Allergy Immunol. 2007;19:427-47. ___ Stone L. Navigating through the swampy lowlands - Dealing with the patient when the diagnosis is unclear. Aust Fam Physician. 2006 Dec;35(12):991-4. ___ Shah MA, Feinberg S, Krishnan E. Sleep-Disordered Breathing Among Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome. J Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Dec;12(6):277-281. ___ Vargas A, Vargas A, Hernandez-Paz R, Sanchez-Huerta JM, Romero-Ramirez R, Amezcua-Guerra L, Kooh M, Nava A, Pineda C, Rodriguez-Leal G, Martinez-Lavin M. Sphygmomanometry-evoked allodynia-a simple bedside test indicative of fibromyalgia: a multicenter developmental study. J Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Dec;12(6):272-4. ___ Kajantie E. Fetal origins of stress-related adult disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006 Nov;1083:11-27. ___ Komaroff A, Jacobson S, Ablashi V, Yamanishi K. Highlights from 5th International Conference on HHV-6 and -7. Herpes. 2006 Nov;13(3):81-2. ___ Michaud K, Wolfe F. The association of rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment with sinus disease. J Rheumatol. 2006 Dec;33(12):2412-5. ___ Itoh Y, Hamada H, Igarashi T, Kuwabara N, Imai T, Fujino O, Fukunaga Y. A case with chronic fatigue syndrome with positive antinuclear antibody followed by postpartum thyroiditis. Mod Rheumatol. 2004 Nov;14(5):406-9. ___ Taylor RR, Thanawala SG, Shiraishi Y, Schoeny ME. Long-term outcomes of an integrative rehabilitation program on quality of life: A follow-up study. J Psychosom Res. 2006 Dec;61(6):835-9. ___ Mehendale AW, Goldman MP. Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Idiopathic Widespread Persistent Pain or Syndrome of Myalgic Encephalomyelopathy (SME): What Is Its Nature? Pain Pract. 2002 Mar;2(1):35-46. ___ Fregni F, Gimenes R, Valle AC, Ferreira MJ, Rocha RR, Natalle L, Bravo R, Rigonatti SP, Freedman SD, Nitsche MA, Pascual-Leone A, Boggio PS. A randomized, sham-controlled, proof of principle study of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of pain in fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Nov 28;54(12):3988-3998. ___ Ablin JN, Cohen H, Buskila D. Mechanisms of Disease: genetics of fibromyalgia. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2006 Dec;2(12):671-8. ___ Bathaii SM, Tabaddor K. Characteristics and incidence of fibromyalgia in patients who receive worker's compensation. Am J Orthop. 2006 Oct;35(10):473-5. ___ Gamma A, Angst J, Ajdacic V, Eich D, Rossler W. The spectra of neurasthenia and depression: course, stability and transitions. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2006 Nov 25. ___ Garcia J, Simon MA, Duran M, Canceller J, Aneiros FJ. Differential efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention versus pharmacological treatment in the management of fibromyalgic syndrome. Psychol Health Med. 2006 Nov;11(4):498-506. ___ Shaver JL, Wilbur J, Robinson FP, Wang E, Buntin MS. Women's health issues with fibromyalgia syndrome. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2006 Nov;15(9):1035-45. ___ Walker JG, Littlejohn GO. Measuring quality of life in rheumatic conditions. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Nov 24. ___ [No authors listed] Duloxetine: new indication. Depression and diabetic neuropathy: too many adverse effects. Prescrire Int. 2006 Oct;15(85):168-72. ___ Meeus M, Nijs J. Central sensitization: a biopsychosocial explanation for chronic widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Nov 18. -------- (c) 2006 NCBI PubMed [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:03:24 -0500 From: Fred Springfield <fredspringfield@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Managing chronic fatigue syndrome in U.K. primary care: challenges and opportunities Managing chronic fatigue syndrome in U.K. primary care: challenges and opportunities. Journal: Chronic Illn. 2006 Jun;2(2):143-53. Authors: Wearden AJ, Chew-Graham C. Affiliation: University of Manchester, School of Psychological Sciences, Coupland 1 Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. alison.wearden@xxxxx.xx.xx NLM Citation: PMID: 17175657 Calls for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in primary care have been based largely on considerations of the availability and accessibility of resources rather than with reference to a firm evidence base. Treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy, which have proven effective for CFS in secondary and specialist care settings, have not been adequately tested in primary care. There are several factors that may affect the generalizability of such treatments. Patients seen in primary care may differ from those seen in secondary care, in terms of both illness beliefs and social characteristics, and these factors need to be taken into account when developing and adapting treatments for primary care. While some primary care physicians experience difficulties in the diagnosis of CFS, we argue that early and authoritative diagnosis and the provision of a tangible explanation for patients' symptoms are likely to be beneficial. Because of the scarcity of qualified specialist therapists, we need to train primary care practitioners to deliver treatments, and we need more research into the feasibility and effectiveness of doing this. Finally, the primary care setting offers opportunities for the guided development of patient self-help approaches. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:12:26 -0500 From: Fred Springfield <fredspringfield@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Contribution of Gender to Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation of IBS: Should Management Be Different in Women? Contribution of Gender to Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation of IBS: Should Management Be Different in Women? Journal: Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Dec;101 Suppl 3:S602-9. Authors: Ouyang A, Wrzos HF. Affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania. NLM Citation: PMID: 17177863 The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is found more commonly in women than men. It is more prevalent in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic pelvic pain, all syndromes characterized by pain and found predominantly in women. This article reviews evidence for a role of biological sex factors and gender on the pathways mediating visceral pain. The effect of gonadal hormones on gastrointestinal motility and the sensory afferent pathway and central processing of visceral stimuli and the contribution of gender role to the clinical presentation are discussed. Although differences in responses to treatment modalities between genders exist, the approach to IBS patients in both genders is quite similar. Nevertheless, a special attention to gender role and stress-related factors should be addressed. New developments in research, outlined in the paper, might bring more gender-specific treatments in the future. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:33:54 -0500 From: Fred Springfield <fredspringfield@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Effects of elevated plasma tryptophan on brain activation associated with the Stroop task Effects of elevated plasma tryptophan on brain activation associated with the Stroop task. Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Dec 19; [Epub ahead of print] Authors: Morgan RM, Parry AM, Arida RM, Matthews PM, Davies B, Castell LM. Affiliation: Cellular Nutrition Research Group, Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, OX2 6HE, UK, lindy.castell@xxx.xx.xx.xx NLM Citation: PMID: 17180619 RATIONALE: Central fatigue, such as that found in chronic fatigue syndrome, is a state in which cognition and action require increasing effort and performance is impaired without evidence for reduced peripheral motor responsiveness. Previous studies identified functional changes in subcortical regions in patients who experience central fatigue but did not address neural correlates of the subjective experience of fatigue. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated responses to acute tryptophan feeding (after administration of 30 mg/kg body mass) using functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate neural correlates of central fatigue during a cognitively demanding exercise, the counting Stroop task. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blind, cross-over study, eight subjects ingested L: -tryptophan (Trp) or placebo (Plac) on two separate test days. Neutral (N) and interference (I) Stroop tasks were carried out. RESULTS: Plasma-free tryptophan (p[FT]) increased tenfold after L: -Trp administration (P < 0.01). Although reaction times were longer after Trp (mean+/-SD, Plac-Neut 669 ± 163 ms, I 715 ± 174 ms, P < 0.01; Trp-Neut 712 ± 193 ms, I 761 ± 198 ms, P < 0.05), the Stroop effect was not significantly different between Plac and Trp. L: -Trp administration was associated with relatively decreased activation in regions, including the left postcentral, angular, inferior frontal, and the lateral orbital gyri and the inferior frontal sulcus relative to Plac. Relatively increased activation was found after Trp in the left precuneus and in the posterior cingulate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Trp administration before the Stroop task caused distributed functional changes in primary sensory and in multimodal neocortex, including changes in a brain region, the activity of which has been shown previously to vary with conscious awareness (precuneus). Previous reports suggest that primary mechanisms of central fatigue may be predominantly subcortical. The present results demonstrate that neocortical activity changes are also found. Whether this activity contributes to the primary mechanisms underlying central fatigue or not, the neocortical activity changes may provide an index of the conscious experience. [Note: The Stroop task is a psychological test of our mental vitality and flexibility. The task takes advantage of our ability to read words more quickly and automatically than we can name colors. If a word is printed or displayed in a color different from the color it actually names; for example, if the word "green" is written in blue ink we will say the word "green" more readily than we can name the color in which it is displayed, which in this case is "blue." The cognitive mechanism involved in this task is called inhibition, you have to inhibit or stop one response and say or do something else.] [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:41:12 -0500 From: "Bernice A. Melsky" <bernicemelsky@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Does the high frequency of manic symptoms in fibromyalgia influence the choice of treatment? Does the high frequency of manic symptoms in fibromyalgia influence the choice of treatment? Clin Pract Epidemol Ment Health. 2006 Dec 19;2(1):36 [Epub ahead of print] Carta MG, Cardia C, Mannu F, Intilla G, Hardoy MC, Anedda C, Ruggero V, Fornasier D, Cacace E. PMID: 17177985 ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Mood disorders were found associated with fibromyalgia (FM) and clinical studies have revealed the efficacy of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of FM. However no specific instruments to identify manic symptoms were used. Objectives To assess the frequency of anxiety and mood disorders (particularly bipolar disorders and manic symptoms) in a consecutive sample of women affected by FM using standardized diagnostic tools and to compare the prevalence of these disorders with that observed in a sample of healthy controls from the general population. METHOD: Cases: consecutive series of women (N=37, mean age 50,1+/- 21,0) attending a Rheumatology outpatient Unit at the University of Cagliari. Controls: 148 women, drawn from the data bank of an epidemiological study matched for sex and age with controls according to a randomisation after blocks method. The Italian version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Simplified were carried out by physicians. Psychiatric diagnosis was formulated according to DSM-IV criteria. The Italian version of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was administered to identify manic symptoms and bipolar disorders. Diagnosis of FM were carried out by rheumatologist according to the criteria of American College of Rheumatology. RESULTS: Subjects with FM showed an higher comorbidity with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder than controls. The study showed a high frequency of manic symptoms (MDQ positive) in the sample of fibromyalgic patients (59%), approximately double that found in the control sample (P<0.001). DISCUSSION: Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of antidepressants, especially tricyclic antidepressants, in the treatment of FM. The clinical difficulty in identifying hypomanic episodes is well known particularly where previous and not present episodes are concerned as in depressive patients. These data would suggest further studies on the subject are needed and more caution also in prescribing antidepressants in a population apparently at high risk for bipolar disorders. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2006 04:15:20 -0500 From: "Bernice A. Melsky" <bernicemelsky@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Electromagn Biol Med. 2006;25(4):259-68. Havas M. Environmental and Resource Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. PMID: 17178585 Dirty electricity is a ubiquitous pollutant. It flows along wires and radiates from them and involves both extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and radio frequency radiation. Until recently, dirty electricity has been largely ignored by the scientific community. Recent inventions of metering and filter equipment provide scientists with the tools to measure and reduce dirty electricity on electrical wires. Several case studies and anecdotal reports are presented. Graham/Stetzer (GS) filters have been installed in schools with sick building syndrome and both staff and students reported improved health and more energy. The number of students needing inhalers for asthma was reduced in one school and student behavior associated with ADD/ADHD improved in another school. Blood sugar levels for some diabetics respond to the amount of dirty electricity in their environment. Type 1 diabetics require less insulin and Type 2 diabetics have lower blood sugar levels in an electromagnetically clean environment. Individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have better balance and fewer tremors. Those requiring a cane walked unassisted within a few days to weeks after GS filters were installed in their home. Several disorders, including asthma, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, are increasing at an alarming rate, as is electromagnetic pollution in the form of dirty electricity, ground current, and radio frequency radiation from wireless devices. The connection between electromagnetic pollution and these disorders needs to be investigated and the percentage of people sensitive to this form of energy needs to be determined. [Return to top] ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:14:24 -0500 From: "Bernice A. Melsky" <bernicemelsky@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: RES: Sexual functioning of women with fibromyalgia Sexual functioning of women with fibromyalgia. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 Sep-Oct;24(5):555-61. Prins MA, Woertman L, Kool MB, Geenen R. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. PMID: 17181925 OBJECTIVE:To examine sexual functioning at the specific phases of the sexual response cycle among women with fibromyalgia. METHODS:The Questionnaire for screening Sexual Dysfunctions - Short Form (QSD-SF) was filled out by 63 premenopausal, heterosexual women with fibromyalgia (age: 21-54 years) who were recruited at meetings of regional patient associations. RESULTS:The women with fibromyalgia did not differ from healthy women of an age reference group with respect to functioning in the excitement and the orgasm phases, but reported more problems with sexual desire and satisfaction, more pain in their body, and insensitivity (but not pain) in their genitals before, during or after having sex. Mental distress, but not pain, was a significant predictor of virtually all aspects of sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION:Our study generates the hypothesis that the psychological but not the physiological aspect of the sexual response cycle is more disturbed than normal in fibromyalgia. This finding needs confirmation in a more representative population. [Return to top] ------------------------------
End of CO-CURE-HMC Digest - 18 Dec 2006 to 25 Dec 2006 (#2006-58)
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