Fibromyalgia is a condition where the sufferer experiences widespread pain and has extra sensitivity to pressure points on her body. Most often diagnosed in young women, the condition is thought to be caused by a mix of factors, including genetic predisposition, trauma and neuro-physiological makeup. Final diagnosis may take years and can be frustrating. Depression is usually linked to fibromyalgia diagnoses, but whether it is a symptom, co-existing condition or result of the condition may depend on the individual, the situation and the progression of the condition for a particular patient.
Depression as a Symptom
Because of the difficulty in diagnosing fibromyalgia, a diagnosis of depression may occur before the fibromyalgia diagnosis and therefore be noted as a pre-condition or symptom. Chronic and widespread pain in joints, tendons and muscles is one description of fibromyalgia and the individual experiencing that chronic pain may have many of the symptoms of depression including loss of appetite, sleep disorders, show a reduced interest in normal activities and social interaction and display irritable behaviors. If that diagnosis occurs first, and is seen as a pre-condition, depression may be termed a symptom of the final fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Depression as a Coexisting Condition
Mayo Clinic rates depression as a coexisting condition with fibromyalgia. Other coexisting conditions it cites include chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, restless legs syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
Depression as a Result of Fibromyalgia
Since fibromyalgia sufferers may experience years of pain, disbelief and a series of doctors making different tests and diagnoses, they may suffer from depression as a result of the final diagnosis process. However, once the diagnosis is reached, it is important for the fibromyalgia patient to know there are treatments, supportive groups and therapies specifically for both their fibromyalgia and depression.
