Young People

It can be particularly difficult to diagnose Fibromyalgia in children. 

One reason is that symptoms may be overlooked amongst the many physical, emotional and psychological changes occurring as a child is growing. It is also unlikely a young child would be able to fully explain how they feel. It may be a little easier to diagnose teenagers as they are older and more able to describe how they are feeling. It is important to remember, that if an illness such as FMS is left undiagnosed, a child or teenager may possibly be suspected of laziness, school phobia or faking illness to get attention. Like adults, this can add to the confusion and stress children and teenagers may already be experiencing, in trying to cope with the miscellany of symptoms which are so much a part of Fibromyalgia. For further information about younger people with FMS please read our leaflet ‘Fibromyalgia: Children & Young People’.