Psychological Impact of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is often misunderstood. Many people think that it is only a physical condition, but evidence suggests that fibromyalgia can also have a significant psychological impact on people.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what fibromyalgia is and the psychological effects of fibromyalgia.

We will also discuss how ketamine treatment is being used to help battle the effects that living with fibromyalgia can cause. 

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. The CDC estimates that fibromyalgia affects around 2% of the population, although it is thought to be underdiagnosed. 

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to abnormalities in how the brain processes pain signals. There is also some evidence to suggest that emotional stress and trauma can contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.

Many of the physical effects of fibromyalgia can be very hard to live with. These include fatigue, sleep problems, and body stiffness. But the psychological effects of fibromyalgia can be just as debilitating.

Are There Risk Factors to Developing Fibromyalgia?

There is no known single cause of fibromyalgia, but some risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Having a family member with the condition
• Suffering from another chronic pain condition
• Experiencing emotional stress or trauma
• Having certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or lupus
• Obesity problems

It is thought that around half of people with fibromyalgia also suffer from depression. Women are also far more likely to be affected by fibromyalgia than men are. Up to 90% of cases are found in women.

What Is the Psychological Impact of Fibromyalgia?

While not discussed as often as the physical limitations, the psychological effects of fibromyalgia should not be underestimated. People with fibromyalgia often find it hard to cope with their daily lives and feel a few, if not all, of the following:

Depression

People with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience depression than those without the condition. The pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can make it difficult to participate in activities that were once enjoyable, which can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Anxiety

This is often due to the fear of pain or becoming disabled. The anxiety that comes with fibromyalgia can be very debilitating and interfere with daily activities.

Cognitive Problems

Many people with fibromyalgia also have what is known as “fibro fog,” which is a term used to describe the cognitive difficulties that can be associated with the condition. These difficulties can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.

Low Self-Esteem

The psychological symptoms of fibromyalgia can make it challenging to maintain a positive self-image. Patients are left feeling like it’s their fault that they are dealing with the condition, leading to a lot of self-hatred and guilt.

Social Isolation

Fibromyalgia can also lead to social isolation. The pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties associated with the condition can make it hard to interact with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Feeling a few or all of these effects while being in pain constantly can be very overwhelming and can lead to a lot of distress.

How Ketamine Is Helping To Treat Fibromyalgia

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when treating the psychological effects of fibromyalgia, as these may vary from person to person. However, one of the best ways to treat fibromyalgia is through ketamine.

Ketamine has been around for over 50 years and is most commonly known as an anesthetic. However, it has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, in recent years.

The drug works by blocking the pain signals sent from the brain to the body. This can help to reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

It is usually given as an infusion, which is a slow IV drip over a period of time. The length of the infusion will depend on the severity of the condition and how well the person responds to treatment.

Once administered, the medication makes its way to the brain and disrupts the pain signals. Alongside blocking the pain, it releases a flood of euphoria to the neurotransmitters that can help improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.

A course of ketamine infusions can help to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia and provide long-lasting relief. It is thought to be one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia and can help people regain their quality of life.

While ketamine is not a cure for fibromyalgia, it can help manage the condition’s psychological effects. Many people who have received treatment say they feel more in control of their lives and are less overwhelmed by the condition.

We Are Your Experts in the Battle Against Fibromyalgia

Soft Reboot Wellness can work with you to treat the physical and psychological impact that fibromyalgia causes.

We create a custom treatment plan for each patient that focuses on combining therapy with the powerful effects of ketamine treatment, helping patients overcome the challenges associated with fibromyalgia.

If you or someone you love is struggling with fibromyalgia, we encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help. We will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

You are not alone in this battle, and we are here to help.