Two calculators use the same Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity (SS) scales but apply different rules. This page shows the differences so you can choose the calculator that matches your study, guideline, or protocol.
| Feature | 2010 ACR preliminary criteria | 2011 self-report modification | 2016 revised criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scales used | WPI and SS | WPI and SS (self-report) | WPI and SS |
| Option A | WPI 7 or more and SS 5 or more | WPI 7 or more and SS 5 or more | WPI 7 or more and SS 5 or more |
| Option B | WPI 3 to 6 and SS 9 or more | WPI 3 to 6 and SS 9 or more | WPI 4 to 6 and SS 9 or more |
| Generalized pain requirement | Not part of the criteria | Not part of the criteria | Included. Pain in 4 of 5 body regions in the 2016 analysis. |
| Diagnostic exclusions | Requires that another disorder does not explain the pain | As 2010 | Wording of exclusions revised |
Use the criteria your study, guideline, or local protocol specifies. The 2016 revision is the current revised version. The 2010 and 2011 criteria remain in older studies and some research protocols.
Both calculators measure the same underlying scales, so a patient can be scored with each. Results from one set of criteria should not be compared directly with results from the other without checking the study design.
These criteria classify patients in research and epidemiology. They do not replace a clinical assessment for other causes of pain.
Wolfe F, et al. The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care Res. 2010.
Wolfe F, et al. Fibromyalgia criteria and severity scales for clinical and epidemiological studies: a modification of the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria. J Rheumatol. 2011;38(6):1113-1122.
Wolfe F, et al. 2016 revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016;46(3):319-329.
Wolfe F, Egloff N, Hauser W. Widespread pain and low widespread pain index scores among fibromyalgia-positive cases assessed with the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia criteria. J Rheumatol. 2016;43(9):1743-1748.