Placebo effect in pharmacological management of fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nThe management of fibromyalgia involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.\n\n\nSOURCE OF DATA\nRecently published literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase databases.\n\n\nAREAS OF AGREEMENT\nSeveral pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been proposed for the management of fibromyalgia. However, the management of fibromyalgia remains controversial. The administration of placebo has proved to be more effective than no treatment in many clinical settings and evidence supports the therapeutic effects of placebo on a wide range of symptoms.\n\n\nAREAS OF CONTROVERSY\nThe placebo effect is believed to impact the clinical outcomes, but its actual magnitude is controversial.\n\n\nGROWING POINTS\nA meta-analysis comparing pharmacological management versus placebo administration for fibromyalgia was conducted.\n\n\nAREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH\nDrug treatment resulted to be more effective than placebo administration for the management of fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, placebo showed a beneficial effect in patients with fibromyalgia. Treatment-related adverse events occurred more frequently in the drug treatment.\n\n\nLEVEL OF EVIDENCE\nI, Bayesian network meta-analysis of double-blind randomized clinical trials.