Prevalence and Incidence of Fibromyalgia

Prevalance of Fibromyalgia:

3.7 million Americans (NIAMS)

Prevalance Rate:

approx 1 in 73 or 1.36% or 3.7 million people in USA [about data]

Ophanet, who are a consortium of European partners, currently defines a condition rare when if affects 1 person per 2,000. They list Fibromyalgia as a "rare disease". More information about Fibromyalgia is available from Orphanet

Prevalance of Fibromyalgia:

Available data suggest that the number of persons aged 18 and older in the United States with fibromyalgia is approximately 3.7 million. (Source: excerpt from Fibromyalgia Research Challenges and Opportunities: NIAMS) ... According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. (Source: excerpt from Fibromyalgia: NWHIC)

Prevelance statistics for Fibromyalgia:

The following statistics relate to the prevalence of Fibromyalgia:

• 3 to 6 million Americans have fibromyalgia (American College of Rheumatology/NWHIC)
• 4 to 8 million with fibromyalgia (NWHIC)
• 4 to 8 million adult cases of fibromyalgia in the US (NIH, The National Women’s Health Centre, 2004)
• 90% of cases of fibromyalgia occur in women in the US (NIH, The National Women’s Health Centre, 2004)

About prevalence and incidence statistics:

The term 'prevalence' of Fibromyalgia usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Fibromyalgia at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Fibromyalgia refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Fibromyalgia diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.