Fibromyalgia Tied to Higher Risk of Death From Many Causes

people with the widespread pain disorder fibromyalgia were told their symptoms were all in their heads, but now the illness is being taken much more seriously with good reason.

Folks with fibromyalgia are more likely to die early from accidents, infections and by suicide, new research suggests.Fibromyalgia is often called an ‘imaginary condition,’ with ongoing debates on the legitimacy and clinical usefulness of this diagnosis,” concluded researchers led by Yulia Treister-Goltzman of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Our review provides further proof that fibromyalgia patients should be taken seriously, with particular focus on screening for suicidal ideation, prevention of accidents, and prevention and treatment of infections,” they wrote.

Exactly how fibromyalgia may contribute to early death is not fully understood, but this condition often travels with other diseases and conditions, which can increase the risk of dying early.

For the new report, the researchers reviewed six studies comprising just shy of 189,000 adults, all of whom had fibromyalgia plus other conditions. People with fibromyalgia were 27% more likely to die early from all causes if they were diagnosed according to the latest criteria.

The way that doctors diagnose fibromyalgia has changed dramatically over time. In 1990, a fibromyalgia diagnosis only took widespread pain and tender points into account. Today, doctors cast a wider net to include fatigue, mental fogginess, headaches, stomach pain or cramps, and depression.

When using the latest criteria, people with fibromyalgia were 44% more likely to die from infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, and more than three times as likely to die by suicide than people without this condition. Folks with fibromyalgia were also 5% more likely to die in an accident, the study found.

A growing body of evidence suggests that fibromyalgia may weaken the immune system and cause inflammation, which could explain the increased chances of dying from infections, the researchers suggested. Depression, which can accompany fibromyalgia, may increase suicide risk.

“The finding of increased [risk of dying] associated with accidents can stem from fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and the concentration difficulties that accompany fibromyalgia, and are a component of its diagnostic criteria since 2010,“ the researchers concluded in their report.

Folks with fibromyalgia were 12% less likely to die from cancer when compared with same-aged people without this condition, possibly because they are more tapped into the health care system and receiving preventive services, the study authors suggested.Fibromyalgia is a serious condition that needs a thorough evaluation, and this article emphasizes that point,” said Dr. David Pisetsky. He is a professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, in Durham, N.C.

“Chronic pain is difficult to treat, and some of the consequences of untreated serious illness are depression and despair, especially when there are also other conditions involved,” Pisetsky said.

“To really know what is going on with a person who has fibromyalgia, you must see if anything else is contributing to this disease, as it is often the add-on conditions that can drive risk for early death,” he explained.

Identifying and treating any of these add-ons may help reduce the risks of dying early for people with fibromyalgia. Those add-ons may include rheumatic, gut and mental health disorders.

There are U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to help treat fibromyalgia symptoms, including certain antidepressants and drugs that block nerve pain, Pisetsky said. Exercise and other lifestyle changes are also important parts of treatment.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and increased sensitivity to pain. Because the condition affects many parts of daily life, researchers have studied whether people with fibromyalgia may also face higher risks from other health problems. Some research has reported an association between fibromyalgia and a higher risk of death from several causes.

However, this does not mean that fibromyalgia itself directly causes death. Fibromyalgia is generally not considered a life-threatening disease, and many people with the condition live long lives. Instead, researchers believe that the increased risk seen in some studies may be related to other conditions that can occur alongside fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia may experience chronic pain, poor sleep, fatigue, reduced physical activity, mood difficulties, and other health problems for many years.

These factors can influence overall health and quality of life. Some studies have found associations between fibromyalgia and cardiovascular disease, infections, respiratory problems, and certain other medical conditions. Researchers have also investigated whether people with fibromyalgia have a higher risk of accidents or other causes of premature death. One possible explanation is that severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, or medications may sometimes affect alertness and daily functioning. Another important factor is that people living with chronic illnesses can experience delays in receiving appropriate diagnosis or treatment for additional health problems. Regular medical care is therefore particularly important. Doctors may monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, sleep quality, mental well-being, physical activity, and other aspects of health according to an individual’s needs.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can also support overall well-being. Gentle and appropriate physical activity, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, stress management, and following a healthcare professional’s treatment plan may help people manage fibromyalgia symptoms and improve daily functioning. It is also important not to assume that every new symptom is simply part of fibromyalgia. New, severe, or unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional because they may have another cause that needs treatment. Research into fibromyalgia and long-term health outcomes is continuing, and scientists are still trying to understand why some studies show higher mortality risks. Many studies are observational, meaning they can identify an association but cannot prove that fibromyalgia is the direct cause of death.

Other factors, including age, smoking, obesity, other chronic illnesses, medications, socioeconomic conditions, and access to healthcare, can influence the results. Therefore, headlines suggesting that fibromyalgia directly causes a higher risk of death should be interpreted carefully. The most useful message for people living with fibromyalgia is not fear but awareness. Fibromyalgia deserves proper recognition, ongoing medical care, and effective symptom management. Patients should feel comfortable discussing persistent pain, extreme fatigue, sleep problems, mood changes, and any new symptoms with their healthcare providers. Family members and friends can also help by understanding that fibromyalgia is a genuine chronic condition and that its symptoms may not always be visible. With appropriate support and individualized care, people with fibromyalgia can work toward better symptom control and a meaningful quality of life.

Continued research may provide clearer answers about the relationship between fibromyalgia and long-term health outcomes and may help doctors identify which patients need additional monitoring. Ultimately, having fibromyalgia does not mean that a person should expect a shortened life. It means that overall health deserves attention, preventive care should not be neglected, and symptoms should be taken seriously. Awareness, early treatment of other medical conditions, healthy habits, and regular communication with healthcare professionals can all play an important role in protecting long-term health.