Difference Between Depression & Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia and depression may occur separately or together. Both conditions may lead to unexplained pain and fatigue, but those with fibromyalgia will also have tender points that are particularly painful to the touch.

Significance

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, at any give time 5.4 percent of the population is dealing with depression. The Centers for Disease Control reports that about 2 percent of population suffers form fibromyalgia.

Depression Effects

• Symptoms of depression may include back pain, headaches, fatigue, weakness, irritability, restlessness, concentration difficulties, sleeping problems, weight changes, sadness, hopelessness and lack of desire to participate in formerly enjoyable activities.

Fibromyalgia Effects

• Fibromyalgia symptoms include body pain, tender points, sleeping problems, fatigue, stiffness upon waking, tingling and numbness in the feet and hands, severe menstrual pain, memory problems, slowed thinking. Coexisting conditions often include chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.

Identification

• Fibromyalgia and depression have many overlapping symptoms and oftentimes occur together. A physician will diagnose either condition based on patient history, description of symptoms and through a physical exam.

Treatment

• Both depression and fibromyalgia may respond to treatments with antidepressant medications. Some antidepressant medications, such as Cymbalta, are marketed for both conditions.