Even if the extremely complex mechanisms, which finally lead to Fibromyalgia and the resulting fatigue, have yet to be deciphered, there is a number of “precursors” found in the majority of Fibromyalgia syndrome patients. So even it cannot be fully established why and how Fibromyalgia develops in certain subjects, it can be stated that certain groups and types of people are obviously more prone to the condition than others:

1. Young and middle-aged women are 7-9 times more likely to develop Fibromyalgia than men, children or elderly persons.

2. There are very few examples of single Fibromyalgia cases within single families. It has to be concluded that genetic factors play at least a minor role: you are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia, if a family member already has it.

3. Almost all patients with a conclusively diagnosed Fibromyalgia would show a history of behavioral problems - stress, depression, anxiety, extreme ambition or obsessive fixations.

4. People with disturbed sleep patterns such as nighttime muscle spasms in the legs, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia later on than people without any sleeping problems.

5. There is no acknowledged connection between Fibromyalgia and rheumatic diseases. But many people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are already suffering from rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.