Question of the Day (September 5)

Verbal

Neuropeptide substance P is released in the spinal cord in response to pain and causes nerve endings around the initiating nerves to also become more sensitive to pain. Normally, this mechanism is "reset" during stages of deep sleep. If, however, the mechanism cannot be reset, this process may run out of control and cause fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by body-wide chronic pain and fatigue. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, drug use, and serotonin deficiency can interfere with stages of "deep" sleep.

The statements above, if true, best support which of the following conclusions?

(A) The simplest way to treat fibromyalgia is to control the release of neuropeptide substance P.
(B) The release of neuropeptide substance P cannot be reset if a patient suffers from a condition that interferes with stages of "deep" sleep.
(C) Patients who do not suffer from conditions that can interfere with stages of "deep" sleep will not develop fibromyalgia.
(D) Conditions such as depression, anxiety, drug use and serotonin deficiency can aggravate or even cause fibromyalgia.
(E) Drug users who experience body-wide chronic pain and fatigue most likely suffer from fibromyalgia.

Question Discussion & Explanation

Correct Answer - D - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)