Individuals with fibromyalgia and depression: Findings from a nationally representative Canadian survey

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with major depression among those with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) in a Canadian representative sample. The study was a secondary analysis of a large, nationally representative sample from the Canadian Community Health Survey. The full sample (n = 126,805) was used to determine the prevalence of FMS and odds ratio of depression among those with FMS (n = 1,635) compared to those without (n = 125,170). A subsample of those with FMS (n = 1,635) was used to determine the prevalence of major depression and the demographic, psychosocial and health-related factors associated with it. Those with FMS had approximately three times higher odds of depression in comparison with those without FMS, even when controlling for important socio-demographic characteristics (OR = 2.90; 95% CI = 2.52, 3.33). Based on the subsample of those with FMS, it was found that 22% had current major depression. A multivariate logistic regression model of those with FMS showed depression was associated with younger age, female gender, being unmarried, food insecurity, number of chronic conditions, and limitations in activities. Two-fifths of those with depression and FMS had not discussed mental health concerns with any health professionals in the previous year, highlighting the underuse of mental health services and the need for health professionals to increase screening within this population. The findings may help clinicians target mental health assessments and interventions for their patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Is Associated With Coronary Heart Disease

“…26,27 A relationship between depression and an increased subsequent risk of CHD/myocardial infarction (MI) has been demonstrated. 13,14,28,29 It is thus reasonable to infer that depression might contribute, at least in part, to the relationship between fibromyalgia and the subsequent risk of coronary events.…”

Quetiapine Fumarate Extended‐Release for the Treatment of Major Depression With Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study

“…The vast majority of patients (Ͼ95%) were female, reflecting the higher prevalence of both fibromyalgia and depression in women in the general population and in clinical studies (6)(7)(8)20) The high mean body weight (Ͼ81 kg) at baseline is reflective of clinical samples of depressed patients with and those without comorbid fibromyalgia (8,27). The majority of patients were moderately to severely depressed, with a mean HAM-D score at baseline of 24.8; most had a recurrent course of illness, with nearly half (48%) reporting 2-5 lifetime episodes and a further 24% reporting Ն6 episodes.…”

Severity of Household Food Insecurity Is Sensitive to Change in Household Income and Employment Status among Low-Income Families1–3

“…In Canada, most recent estimates from 2011 show that 12.3% of households experienced a marginal, moderate, or severe level of food insecurity (1). Food insecurity has been associated with higher rates of self-reported poor health and chronic health conditions (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) and nutritional vulnerability among adults (9,10) and greater risk of poor health among children (11)(12)(13)(14). Importantly, there are indications that health risks are heightened with the level of severity of food insecurity (3,12,15) as well as duration of the experience (16,17).…”