Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:33
A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
[Fibromyalgia and anxiety disorder.].
Sigurður Thorlacius1, Sigurjón B Stefánsson, Mohammed I Ranavaya
1The State Social Security Institute, Laugavegi 114-116, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. sigurdur.thorlacius@tr.is.
Laeknabladid
|August 31, 2006
Summary
Fibromyalgia is significantly linked to mental health conditions, particularly anxiety disorders. This association highlights the need to address psychological factors in fibromyalgia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Fibromyalgia diagnosis relies on widespread pain and tenderness, but associated symptoms like anxiety and fatigue are common.
- These symptoms overlap with generalized anxiety disorder, suggesting a potential link.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between fibromyalgia and other diagnoses, specifically anxiety disorders.
- To compare the prevalence of mental disorders in individuals with fibromyalgia versus a control group.
Summary:
- A study of disability pensioners in Iceland found that fibromyalgia patients had significantly more diagnoses, particularly mental disorders, compared to a control group.
- Women with fibromyalgia as a primary diagnosis showed a similar diagnostic pattern to those with primary anxiety or depression diagnoses.
Impact:
- The findings indicate a strong association between fibromyalgia and mental disorders, especially anxiety.
- This underscores the importance of integrating mental health assessments and treatments into fibromyalgia care.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.