Adolescence is often marked by mood swings, irregular sleep, irritability, increased stress, and fatigue. Most times it’s due to hormonal fluctuations and the body’s need for increased sleep to support the body’s growth. However, in some cases, these are symptoms of something much more sinister than simply a changing teenage body.
Fibromyalgia is known to largely affect adults, more predominantly women. Yet, there are cases where adolescents develop Fibromyalgia as well. Often, their symptoms are brushed off as teenage symptoms. For adolescents who develop Fibromyalgia, it’s commonly referred to as Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome or JFMS. It also commonly affects girls more than it affects boys.
Juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness to touch. It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and environmental triggers. This 2019 study reported JFMS occurring in adolescents 14-19 years old at a rate of 3.5%-6.2%. In children aged 10-14 years old, it’s reported to be 2-2.6%. It’s clear Fibromyalgia can affect children and adolescents just like it affects adults.
So how do you know what symptoms to look for? Here are 7 symptoms you can keep an eye on to see if your teen needs to be examined for JFMS:
- IBS/GI symptoms: JFMS symptoms can sometimes look like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other Gastrointestinal issues. It can also be mistaken for anxiety among teens.
- Sleep troubles & fatigue: While teens often report irregular or interrupted sleep, this can also be a sign of JFMS. One of the key indicators to look for is non-restorative sleep. Experiencing fatigue during the day is also a key symptom of JFMS.
- Mood swings: This comes naturally for most teens due to the hormonal swing they go through during adolescence. However, when they take the appearance of anxiety, irritability and even depression, those are symptoms that may need to be evaluated by your child’s pediatrician.
- Widespread pain: Children who complain of body pain, more specifically soft tissue, joint pain and/or muscle pain may need to be evaluated by their pediatrician. These are normally signs that something is happening in the body that needs to be identified and addressed.
- Sensitivity to touch: Children with JFMS tend to have a more heightened response to pain, including sensitivity to touch. If you find that your child has an exaggerated response to pain and/or touch, have them evaluated by their pediatrician.
- Migraines & headaches: Migraines and recurring headaches can also be symptoms of JFMS in adolescents. This is one of the more common signs of JFMS in children and teens.
- Cognitive challenges: Experiencing confusion, difficulty focusing, memory loss or memory fog are also symptoms to take a look at and have your child evaluated by their pediatrician.
Having your child evaluated by your pediatrician to see if they may be suffering from JFMS is important. There is no cure for JFMS, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment for JFMS may include:
- Exercise
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Medications, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and pain relievers
- Complementary and alternative therapies, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and yoga
Early diagnosis and treatment of JFMS can help to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
