Fibromyalgia affects age groups differently

Young and middle-aged people with fibromyalgia report worse symptoms and a poorer quality of life than older people, says research from the Mayo Clinic.

Researchers divided 978 people with fibromyalgia into three age groups: 39 years or younger, 40 years to 59 years and those 60 years or older.

“Among the three age groups of young, middle-aged and older, symptom severity and quality of life differs,” says Dr Terry Oh, who led the work.

The team was surprised as younger people usually have a better quality of life and physical health.

Analysis of the data found that younger and middle-aged people were more likely to be employed, unmarried, smokers and have a higher education level, lower body mass index and a shorter duration of fibromyalgia symptoms than older people

Fibromyalgia affects more women than men and is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

Other studies found:

–          About 7% of people with fibromyalgia had inflammatory rheumatic conditions, and that in general, those fibromyalgia patients didn’t do as well with treatment as those without rheumatic diseases.

–          People with fibromyalgia may also have skin-related symptoms such as excessive sweating or burning or other sensations.

The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life.

For more information on the study visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2013-rst/7743.html.