Fibromyalgia - What Increases Your Risk

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.