It is not commonly known that FMS can affect children and teens as well as adults. What may be considered “growing pains” might in fact be fibromyalgia, especially if the child complains of having difficulty sleeping. If you have a child that you suspect might have fibromyalgia do please contact our Development Officer by phoning 01403 255450 or email her.
4th Aug 2007 saw the launch of services for children with Juvenile Primary FM.
Some Word documents about Children with Fibromyalgia
- Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Leaflet
- The following 4 articles are from the National Fibromyalgia ssociation (USA) website and can be viewed there
- Juvenile Fibromyalgia
- How Can I Help My Child with Fibromyalgia?
- A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
- Parenting a Child with FM
Websites about Children with Fibromyalgia
Forum For The Help, Friendship & Support That Any Young Sufferer Needs
Coping at school can be tough when you have fibromyalgia. Sitting on uncomfortable chairs, getting to different classes around campus, and carrying all your textbooks can be a challenge. . . . .
Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome - Review
A Kid's Guide to Surviving and Succeeding in School with CFS & FMS. Compiled by a teen with CFS.
New research suggests that adolescents with fibromyalgia are more likely than their peers to experience social problems like isolation and peer rejection, which may result in increased anxiety, social withdrawal and mood difficulties.
If your teen won't get out of bed, it could be more than growing pains
Until recently, fibromyalgia was considered an adult disorder; children were thought not to get it. . . . . doctors have been paying more attention to children's complaints of pain and are diagnosing FM with increasing frequency.
Information for Children, Teens and Young adults
Ashleigh had extreme nausea, chronic fatigue, sore aching muscles, and severe headaches. The bright, athletic then 13 year old was sluggish and in pain. . . . . . .
This variant of fibromyalgia appears in adolescents, typically after 13 with a peak incidence at age 14. It is uncommon, but studies indicate that its incidence may be increasing.
Almost all defining physical symptoms are identical to those characteristic of adult FM. Behaviorally, the main difference is that the children/adolescents tend to "overbook" themselves and want to be as active as possible.
Although CFIDS and Fibromyalgia can occur at any age, even in childhood, it is poorly diagnosed in the young. Children and adolescents frequently have a gradual onset of symptoms. However, the types and degree of the symptoms are similar to that seen in adults.
Does Fibromyalgia occur in children? Yes, it is less common, but definitely occurs. Typical age is in adolescence and is more common in girls.
Fibromyalgia in teenagers is being increasingly recognized.
Clinical analysis of six cases with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome
Susmita Kashikar-Zuck, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, specializes in behavioral treatment of children and adolescents with chronic pain.
Redefining CFS in children with comparisons with other disorders.
Resources For Young People And Their Parents
Symptoms of ME are somewhat similar to FM. AYME co-operates with us in helping young people.
AYME's paper on Boom and Bust.
Chart for measuring activity.
Sample chart filled in.
'Vision', for young people, families and professionals
So what can be done about it?
The following link shows how some parents and their affected children were able to cope
Running a Support Group for Youth and their Families
Website for children and young people with disabilities
is an independent organisation set up to provide information, dialogue and discussion with and for children and young people with disabilities, and their parents and carers in West Sussex.
Buy-at the FMS SAS on-line shop.
Juvenile Fibromyalgia
FORUM launches start of support for Children
Young Fibro Mites
Getting through the Schoolday When You Have FM 
National Center for Biotechnology Information 
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (USA)
Daily Mail Article on Fibromyalgia
FMS Community
A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
Recognizing and Coping With Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
National Fibromyalgia Partnership
Association of Young People with ME
The Young ME Sufferers Trust Magazine
Wellspring West Sussex
