Fibromyalgia has 'clear biological basis'
A large-scale genetic study of over two million people has identified 26 genomic regions associated with fibromyalgia. The findings provide evidence that the condition has a clear biological basis in pain processing rather than being purely psychological.
Why it matters
This research validates the experiences of millions of patients who have historically been dismissed by the medical community and opens new pathways for targeted drug development.
Scientists have uncovered new genetic risk factors for a long-term chronic pain condition in the largest study of its kind.
People with fibromyalgia have been "dismissed" for decades, experts said, but research which examined the DNA of more than two million people found the syndrome "represents a problem in pain processing".
It is hoped the findings could lead to better ways to identify and treat the condition in the future.
Existing trials focusing on incurable conditions such as Huntington's disease could also "eventually benefit people with fibromyalgia", according to researchers.
Estimates suggest around 5% of the population are living with fibromyalgia in the UK and Ireland.
Symptoms vary from person to person, ranging from widespread pain, stiffness, fatigue, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and problems with memory or learning new things.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in