Is fibromyalgia associated with depression?
Many studies link fibromyalgia and depression. In fact, people with fibromyalgia are up to three times more likely to have depression at the time of their diagnosis than someone without fibromyalgia. Some researchers study the effects of depression on brain chemistry.
What criteria must be met for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia to be made?
The most widely used criteria for diagnosis are:
- you either have severe pain in 3 to 6 different areas of your body, or you have milder pain in 7 or more different areas.
- your symptoms have stayed at a similar level for at least 3 months.
- no other reason for your symptoms has been found.
How does a Dr diagnose fibromyalgia?
Clinical Tests There is no widely accepted medical test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnostic tests are performed to see if another condition could be causing the symptoms. Blood tests are usually ordered to rule out conditions with similar symptoms.
What gets misdiagnosed fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia may be mistaken for one of the following six conditions, among others: Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s disease. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
How do you treat fibromyalgia and depression?
Two classes of antidepressants used to treat fibromyalgia symptoms are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). “SNRIs are more effective for treating both depression and fibromyalgia symptoms,” says Staud.
Does depression make fibromyalgia worse?
Additionally, having depression can make the fibromyalgia pain worse and result in severe fatigue and functional disability. There are specific personality traits associated with the development of fibromyalgia that are also associated with depression. These include high harm avoidance and low self-directedness.
What else could fibromyalgia be?
Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus. They have symptoms of widespread pain along with joint involvement. Most rheumatic diseases are treated with medication and physical therapy.