The problem of longterm disability payments and litigation in primary fibromyalgia: the Canadian perspective.

The determination of disability in fibromyalgia syndrome is problematic because of its perceived subjective nature and the absence of well defined criteria for diagnosis. This, together with an unclear idea of the natural history, creates problems in litigation and determination of rehabilitation costs. Lawyers and third party payers must cooperate with physicians to determine the "hidden costs" of fibromyalgia so that a fairer estimate of longterm disability is achieved.