FM & adolescents

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Although fibromyalgia is most common in women, the disorder has become

increasingly common in adolescents. In fact, musculoskeletal pain

syndromes represent the most common problems seen by pediatric

rheumatologists. Of children with chronic pain syndromes, 25% to 40%

fulfill the criteria for juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome.

The syndrome was first reported in the medical literature in 1985 by

Muhammed B. Yunus, M.D., of the University of Illinois College of

Medicine. Many of the symptoms seen by Dr. Yunus's group were similar

to those seen in adults with fibromygalgia, but the children had fewer

tender points. Because the American College of Rheumatology has

developed diagnostic criteria for adults, the validity for this

criteria in the pediatric population is unknown.

Source: Your Personal Guide to Living Well with Fibromyalgia