Fibromyalgia, depression for 43% of patients: 'Fibra' study for sufferers and carers launched
The disease, which affects up to 4% of the population, mostly women, also affects the psychological and emotional area: the Istituto Superiore di Sanità with Fondazione Isal opens a new research project dedicated to those who have already been diagnosed
by Health Editor
Key points
Widespread pain, persistent fatigue and sleep disturbances that impair quality of life. These are some of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that affects 2 to 4% of the population in Western countries, especially women.
In addition to physical symptoms, many people also face emotional and psychological difficulties related to the condition that the Iss wants to explore in a new study, the Fibra study, which kicks off on the occasion of World Fibromyalgia Day on 12 May.
The Fibra Studio
Fibra is promoted by the Reference Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in cooperation with the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Isal Foundation - Ente del Terzo Settore.
The invitation to participate is aimed at people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and their families, to gather their experience and better understand the relationship between this condition and psychological wellbeing, the difficulties in the treatment pathway, and what hinders and what instead favours the treatment of anxiety and depression.
It is estimated that about 43% of people with fibromyalgia present depressive symptoms and about 30% anxiety disorders of clinical interest. The presence of depression and anxiety is associated with reduced function, increased pain intensity and, consequently, a deteriorated quality of life.
