Fibromyalgia linked to increased risk of death from various causes.

Fibromyalgia linked to increased risk of death from various causes.

Fibromyalgia: A Real Condition That Needs Serious Attention

For years, people with fibromyalgia, a widespread pain disorder, were simply told that their symptoms were all in their heads. However, new research suggests that this condition should be taken much more seriously, as individuals with fibromyalgia are more likely to die early from accidents, infections, and even suicide. The legitimacy and clinical usefulness of the fibromyalgia diagnosis has been the subject of ongoing debate, but recent studies provide further evidence that patients with fibromyalgia need to be taken seriously. Yulia Treister-Goltzman from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel and her team concluded in their review that fibromyalgia patients should be screened for suicidal ideation and additional measures should be taken to prevent accidents and infections.

One challenge in understanding fibromyalgia is that it often coexists with other diseases and conditions, which can contribute to a higher risk of premature death. In a review of six studies involving nearly 189,000 adults with fibromyalgia and other conditions, researchers found that people with fibromyalgia were 27% more likely to die early from all causes when diagnosed according to the latest criteria. The diagnostic process for fibromyalgia has evolved over time, considering not only widespread pain and tender points but also additional symptoms such as fatigue, mental fogginess, headaches, stomach pain or cramps, and depression.

Using the latest diagnostic criteria, the study revealed that individuals with fibromyalgia were 44% more likely to die from infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, and more than three times as likely to die by suicide compared to those without fibromyalgia. Furthermore, fibromyalgia patients were also found to be 5% more likely to die in accidents. These statistics can be attributed to various factors. Growing evidence suggests that fibromyalgia may weaken the immune system and cause inflammation, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Additionally, depression, often accompanying fibromyalgia, increases the risk of suicide.

One interesting finding from the study is that people with fibromyalgia were 12% less likely to die from cancer compared to same-aged individuals without the condition. The authors suggest that this may be because people with fibromyalgia are more engaged with the healthcare system, receiving regular preventive services. It is worth noting that while fibromyalgia is associated with a higher risk of premature death, addressing the accompanying conditions, such as rheumatic, gut, and mental health disorders, may help reduce this risk.

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The seriousness of fibromyalgia as a condition is acknowledged by experts who were not involved in the study. Dr. David Pisetsky, a professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, stresses that fibromyalgia is a complex condition that requires thorough evaluation. Ignoring the seriousness of the illness can lead to depression and despair, especially when accompanied by other conditions. Pisetsky emphasizes the importance of identifying any additional contributing factors to fibromyalgia, as it is often the combination of conditions that increases the risk of early death.

Dr. Sonali Khandelwal, an associate professor of rheumatology at Rush University Medical Center, agrees with this assessment. She emphasizes that fibromyalgia is a real condition that extends beyond chronic pain. Alongside medication and lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven helpful in managing fibromyalgia. This therapy aims to shift the individual’s perspective on their pain and other symptoms, leading to better coping mechanisms.

Identifying and understanding the mechanisms behind fibromyalgia is an ongoing process. Researchers are getting closer to uncovering the driving factors of the condition, which may lead to more targeted and effective treatments. In the meantime, it is crucial to raise awareness about the seriousness of fibromyalgia and provide comprehensive support for individuals with this condition.

Key Takeaways:

• People with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience premature death from accidents, infections, and suicide.
• The latest diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia consider additional symptoms beyond widespread pain and tender points.
• Fibromyalgia patients are at a higher risk of dying from infections due to potential immune system weakening and inflammation.
• Addressing accompanying conditions, such as rheumatic, gut, and mental health disorders, may help reduce the risk of premature death.
• Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that requires thorough evaluation and consideration of potential contributing factors.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, alongside medication and lifestyle changes, is beneficial for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
• Ongoing research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of fibromyalgia, leading to more targeted treatments.