Sexual disorder improvement: a target or a way in treatment of fibromyalgia. A case report and brief review

Abstract

Previous studies had shown the relation between fibromyalgia (FM) and sexual impairment as a symptom of established disease, which causes often serious problems in partners' relationship. We described a middle-aged man with FM who was refractory to conventional treatments after an 8-year history of generalized chronic pain. He underwent multiple treatment modalities, such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and nonpharmacological therapies, with no dramatic success. Psychiatric assessment revealed a homosexual tendency. He and his wife were informed about the problem. A change in sexual behavior caused a significant resolution of symptoms over a 6-month period, and he no longer receives medication for FM. This is the first case report to demonstrate the efficacy of sexual disorder improvement in the treatment of refractory FM.

Functional neurological disorder and functional somatic syndromes among sexual and gender minority people: A scoping review

“…Further studies using community-based samples are needed to further assess prevalence findings in gender minority people, as well as to assess if similar trends exist among cisgender, sexual minority people. Pediatric age of onset [58,67] as well as the role of SGM-related stressors and therapeutic interventions [52,67] also emerged as themes among case studies of FSS, SSD, and other FDs, suggesting areas for hypothesis development and evaluation in future observational studies.…”

“…Across the literature as a whole, other limitations include lack of standardized collection of SGM identity data and reporting of basic demographic data. Studies variously defined SGM identity by sexual behavior [52], disorder-based ICD coding [4], and self-identification [48], limiting cross-study comparison. In addition, most studies conflated gender and sex assigned at birth, constraining the identification of themes related to gender minority people [77].…”

“…A single case report described an adult male with ACR-diagnosed fibromyalgia and symptom onset during a period of increased internal conflict over male-male sexual fantasies [52]. His condition gradually improved after disclosure of his conflict to providers and eventual engagement in his desired sexual behaviors.…”