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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This is an unfunded research project. None of the authors have any conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sandra Rotman Chair, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Esme Fuller-Thomson

  2. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Jodie Nimigon-Young & Sarah Brennenstuhl

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  1. Esme Fuller-Thomson
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  2. Jodie Nimigon-Young
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  3. Sarah Brennenstuhl
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Correspondence to Esme Fuller-Thomson.

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Fuller-Thomson, E., Nimigon-Young, J. & Brennenstuhl, S. Individuals with fibromyalgia and depression: Findings from a nationally representative Canadian survey. Rheumatol Int 32, 853–862 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-010-1713-x

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