Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, profound fatigue, sleep difficulties, and heightened sensitivity to pressure, temperature, and sound. It is thought to involve central sensitisation — a process in which the nervous system amplifies pain signals, meaning the brain and spinal cord perceive pain more intensely than typical. Other common features include cognitive difficulties (often called "fibro fog"), headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression. Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2–4% of the population, predominantly women, and is frequently misunderstood both medically and socially.
Because fibromyalgia is an invisible illness with no definitive diagnostic test, many people experience disbelief from others — sometimes even from medical professionals — adding a layer of self-doubt to an already challenging condition. Psychotherapy, particularly approaches that integrate an understanding of the mind-body connection, can support people in processing the emotional weight of chronic pain, managing flare triggers, rebuilding a sense of agency, and maintaining quality of life.
Häuser, W., Ablin, J., Fitzcharles, M. A., et al. (2015). Fibromyalgia. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 1, 15022. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2015.22
