Fibromyalgia

What Increases Your Risk

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia. Being female greatly increases your chance of developing this syndrome. It is possible that having a rheumatic disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis), an infectious disease (such as Lyme disease or mononucleosis), a psychiatric condition (such as major depression), or a traumatic event (such as a car accident) may increase your chance of developing fibromyalgia. There is some evidence that having a family history of fibromyalgia may increase your risk.

If you already have fibromyalgia, you may be more likely to have recurring symptoms or persistent pain if you are a woman and you have:³

• Frequent episodes of emotional or physical stress.
• Had symptoms for many years.
• Insomnia or a sleep disorder.
• Depression or an anxiety disorder.
• Belly pain, headaches, or problems with urination.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: October 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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