What're the risk factors for fibromyalgia?
Gender: Although fibromyalgia may develop in men or women, statistics show that women are seven times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Nine out of 10 fibromyalgia patients are women, and an estimated 3.4% of American women have fibromyalgia. Women's symptoms also tend to be more severe than men's are. Women may be more prone to develop
fibromyalgia during menopause.
Age: People between the ages of 20 and 60 are at the highest risk of developing the onset of fibromyalgia, although it may occur at any age. The disorder usually occurs in people between 20 to 60 years of age, though it can occur at any time. Some studies have noted peaks around age 35; others note it is most common in middle-aged women. In one trial, fibromyalgia increased with age and had a prevalence of over 7% among people in their 60s and 70s.
Genetic factors: There is some indication that genetic factors may be involved in the development of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that people with family members who have fibromyalgia are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. Offspring who developed fibromyalgia were no more likely to have psychological disorders than those who did not.
Specific lifestyle factors: People who have recently experienced a traumatic physical or emotional event (such as divorce, car accident, etc.) may be at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Psychiatric illness: While the majority of individuals with fibromyalgia report a history of psychiatric symptoms, many patients do not, and there is no clear evidence that psychiatric illness causes fibromyalgia. |
