Algo-dysfunctional syndromes:a critical digest of the recent literature

ABSTRACT The etiopathogenesis of the algo-dys- functional syndromes, which include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, is still debated, but it is widely accepted that it is best described by a multifactorial model that include genes, environmen- tal factors such as external infections, inflammation, dietary habits, impaired endogenous cortisol production, the aberrant activation of some areas of the central nervous system, and small peripheral nervous fibre damage. This complexity suggests that they should be managed by means of a multidisci- plinary approach involving the use of both pharmacological and non-phar- macological treatments. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent scientific acquisitions concerning these syndromes and their treatment.