Can fibromyalgia cause depression?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Fibromyalgia can cause depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with fibromyalgia are more than three times more likely to have depression than other adults. For some people, the trigger for depression is the many symptoms of fibromyalgia, including widespread body pain, trouble sleeping, waking up unrefreshed, and problems with thinking and memory. It's also possible that the same chemical imbalances in the brain that cause mood changes may also contribute to fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia can cause depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with fibromyalgia are more than three times more likely to have depression than other adults. For some people, the trigger for... More -
Fibromyalgia can be painful and incredibly frustrating. It may limit your abilities and prevent you from doing things that you love. Not to mention the fact that it might affect your job performance. All of these things can lead to stress, which just makes fibromyalgia worse. People often develop depression as a result of their fibromyalgia. It's important to realize that this isn't uncommon. If you become depressed, talk to your doctor about finding a therapist who can help or a support group for people with fibromyalgia in your area. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health if you want to minimize your symptoms.
Fibromyalgia can be painful and incredibly frustrating. It may limit your abilities and prevent you from doing things that you love. Not to mention the fact that it might affect your job performance. All of these things can lead to stress, which... More -
Celeste Cooper answered:Depression can result from the losses associated with having FM; it is not a psychological disorder, but feeling blue and even possibly isolated are a common occurrence in FM. We are grieving a loss, not only of our previous functioning, but personal relationships, as well.
Having chronic daily pain and the other conditions that accompany FM are perpetuators to depression.
Acceptance is the first step to managing fibromyalgia, but can be difficult. If you are not getting the support you need see a counselor that is experienced in helping people with chronic pain. My co-author started out as my therapist.
Also see my answer to “How is counseling used to treat fibromyalgia?”
All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press
Find out more about this book: Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofa...
Depression can result from the losses associated with having FM; it is not a psychological disorder, but feeling blue and even possibly isolated are a common occurrence in FM. We are grieving a loss, not only of our previous functioning, but... More -
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD answered:Depression is a key symptom with most people with fibromyalgia. In fact, anxiety and depression severe enough to interfere with daily activities occur in as many as 50 percent or more of those with fibromyalgia. Stress from the constant pain and fatigue can cause anxiety. The chronic pain can result in less activity, becoming more withdrawn and can lead to depression. It is also possible that anxiety and depression may actually be a part of fibromyalgia, just like the pain.
No matter which case is eventually found to be correct, anxiety and depression can greatly interfere with a patient's activities at work and at home. The symptoms can be successfully treated with a combination of medication and therapy, so it is important to openly discuss these feelings with your doctor.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulDepression is a key symptom with most people with fibromyalgia. In fact, anxiety and depression severe enough to interfere with daily activities occur in as many as 50 percent or more of those with fibromyalgia. Stress from the constant... More -
Dr. Stephen Q Parker of MDLIVE answered:Fibromyalgia(FM) can be a very frustrating and mysterious disorder that can lead to depression.There are various theories as to how FM develops all of which have some merit. Despite this, FM is still being misdiagnosed which results in wrong treatments and outcomes. As a result,depression could develop which can further exacerbate the symptoms of FM. It is important to treat the symptoms of FM and depression when at all possible to alleviate the symptoms.Fibromyalgia(FM) can be a very frustrating and mysterious disorder that can lead to depression.There are various theories as to how FM develops all of which have some merit. Despite this, FM is still being misdiagnosed which... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Yes, any severe and disabling illness can cause a secondary depression. However, depression and fibromyalgia are two very different processes. Answering the simple question "Do I have many interests?" will tell you if you are also depressed. If you have many interests but are frustrated that you're too sick to do them, you are likely not depressed.
Yes, any severe and disabling illness can cause a secondary depression. However, depression and fibromyalgia are two very different processes. Answering the simple question "Do I have many interests?" will tell you if you are also depressed. If you... More
