Is there a link between depression and fibromyalgia?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Yes, depression is a common symptom with fibromyalgia. Sometimes depression leads to changes in the chemistry of the brain. Or depression can cause abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system that result in the release of substances that cause more sensitivity to pain. It is thought that the ongoing chronic pain of fibromyalgia may cause feelings of depression. Many chronic illnesses can lead to depression if the person has ongoing pain or other symptoms that disrupt their quality of life. With fibromyalgia, it is easy to miss the signs of depression. That's why a visit to the doctor to discuss the symptoms of fibromyalgia is vital to getting relief. There are newer medications available that treat fibromyalgia pain and depression, so talk with your doctor about your feelings and symptoms.Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulYes, depression is a common symptom with fibromyalgia. Sometimes depression leads to changes in the chemistry of the brain. Or depression can cause abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system that result in the release of substances that cause... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Depression and fibromyalgia often go hand in hand. But it's the classic chicken-and-egg problem: What came first? Chronic pain, waking up feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia are pretty debilitating, and can often contribute to depression.
But the more we get to understand how the brains of people with fibro are wired differently, the more we realize that the connection might go the other way too. The same imbalances of brain chemicals that make you more sensitive to pain signals may also make you more likely to develop depression. The important thing to remember is that the things that help with your pain and fatigue may also help with your depression. If you are depressed, make sure you get help for your depression as well as your fibromyalgia. Working on either condition will help you solve the other one.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulDepression and fibromyalgia often go hand in hand. But it's the classic chicken-and-egg problem: What came first? Chronic pain, waking up feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia are pretty debilitating, and... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Although one out of eight people with fibromyalgia also have depression, these are two very different illnesses. Biochemically, for example, adrenal stress cortisol levels tend to be lower in fibromyalgia, but elevated in depression. Basically these are two very different illnesses.Although one out of eight people with fibromyalgia also have depression, these are two very different illnesses. Biochemically, for example, adrenal stress cortisol levels tend to be lower in fibromyalgia, but elevated in depression. Basically these... More -
Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:However, this is more likely a result of the frustration of the widespread pain syndrome, the lack of quickly diagnosing the illness, or the chronic nature of the syndrome.
It is not clear that depression causes fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia has depression as a part of the syndrome.However, this is more likely a result of the frustration of the widespread pain syndrome, the lack of quickly diagnosing the illness, or the chronic nature of the syndrome.It is not clear that depression causes fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia has... More -
Dr. David Fiore answered:Depression and/or anxiety have been found to be in 30-50% of patients that have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Mood disturbances and difficulty concentrating have also been attributed to fibromyalgia, but are also common complaints with depression. It is important to be aware that depression is often seen with fibromyalgia, so that it can be addressed as well.Depression and/or anxiety have been found to be in 30-50% of patients that have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Mood disturbances and difficulty concentrating have also been attributed to fibromyalgia, but are also common complaints with... More -
There is an association between fibromyalgia and depression. Depression and anxiety are included in the American College of Rheumatology criteria and clinical features of fibromyalgia. In four large clinical studies, 34% of patients with fibromyalgia were also found to have depression. It is important to recognize the link between fibromyalgia and depression, so that you may seek appropriate treatment from your doctor, including antidepressants.There is an association between fibromyalgia and depression. Depression and anxiety are included in the American College of Rheumatology criteria and clinical features of fibromyalgia. In four large clinical studies, 34% of patients with... More -
RealAge answered:Pain-induced mood swings are more than a nuisance. They can lead to clinical depression or anxiety, two mood disorders commonly seen in fibromyalgia patients. Sometimes antidepressant medications -- often prescribed in lower doses to treat fibromyalgia pain -- may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Pain-induced mood swings are more than a nuisance. They can lead to clinical depression or anxiety, two mood disorders commonly seen in fibromyalgia patients. Sometimes antidepressant medications -- often prescribed in lower doses to treat... More
