Fibromyalgia Pain in Teens Extends into Adulthood

A recent study shows that teens who suffer from fibromyalgia may be more likely to carry these symptoms into adulthood. In fact, research suggests that as many as four out of five teens suffering from this syndrome will result in greater issues with the illness later in life. 

"Half of the former teens we studied met the full criteria for adult fibromyalgia, and another 35 percent of them continued to have symptoms of fatigue, pain and sleep difficulty, but did not meet all the criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome," said study author Susmita Kashikar-Zuck, research director in behavioral medicine and clinical psychology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, via WebMD.

For the study, researchers examined 94 teenagers that had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for six years. They were diagnosed at the average age of 15 from 2002 to 2010. The study showed that around 51 percent of participants had symptoms that met criteria for adult fibromyalgia set by the American College of Rheumatology, and though a little less than one-third of the patients did not meet criteria for the health issue, they showed very specific symptoms that were very similar to it. Such symptoms included difficulties sleeping, fatigue and pain in general.

"Half of the former teens we studied met the full criteria for adult fibromyalgia, and another 35 percent of them continued to have symptoms of fatigue, pain and sleep difficulty, but did not meet all the criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome," said Kashikar-Zuck.

When compared to healthy adults, these individuals showed greater pain and anxiety levels and were more likely to frequent the doctor's office, according to background information from the study.

As the syndrome does typically carry a genetic component, the researchers stress the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Pediatrics.