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To be clear as certain sources classify Fibromyalgia differently. Is Fibromyalgia now classified as an Autoimmune Disease?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Palm Bay, FL

From my Understanding from my time of diagnosis in 2017 Fibromyalgia is a Chronic Illness, and my Mom also has it too. But I came across recent information labeling it as member of the autoimmune family. Studies change over time and I just wanted to have a more clear answer here from MyFibroTeam ❤️

September 3
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MyFibroTeam

Great question, and it's completely understandable to want clarity on this — especially when different sources seem to say different things!

To put it simply: fibromyalgia is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease. Your understanding from your 2017 diagnosis still holds up today. Fibromyalgia is classified as a Show Full Answer

Great question, and it's completely understandable to want clarity on this — especially when different sources seem to say different things!

To put it simply: fibromyalgia is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease. Your understanding from your 2017 diagnosis still holds up today. Fibromyalgia is classified as a chronic pain condition that primarily affects the central nervous system. Here's what sets it apart from autoimmune conditions:

- Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues
- Fibromyalgia does not work this way — it is considered a pain-processing disorder
- People with fibromyalgia have an oversensitive nervous system that amplifies pain signals
- Blood tests in autoimmune conditions typically show elevated inflammatory markers, but fibromyalgia does not show these markers That said, it's worth noting that fibromyalgia is more common in people who also have an autoimmune condition. This overlap may be why some sources loosely group them together — but that doesn't make fibromyalgia itself autoimmune.

The fact that your mom also has it does align with research suggesting a genetic predisposition plays a role. So you're definitely not imagining that family connection! 💙

September 3
A MyFibroTeam Member

And even longer for medications to follow the treatments or therapies. I'll give you an example, when I was becoming a clinically based social worker/ therapist I was learning about deregulated central nervous systems 30 years ago and only now it's being discussed with fibromyalgia.

September 7
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thanks Storm, your comment feeds my soul. Much appreciation 💕☯️❤️🌿

6 days ago
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi, It is predominantly classed as a neurological/central nervous system disorder rather than an autoimmune disease.
LizZ3 has the right idea, read up on central sensitization and dysautonomia. ❤️

6 days ago
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hey Camille! 💛💐
There has been no classification change.

Researchers are split and still trying to replicate the original study that showed immune system involvement.
While others have moved to different variations or theories, like the subset theory. Which is just that, only theory at this point. 🙃

Even still, once they prove or disprove, it takes an average of 17 years for most advancements and findings to become actual treatments or therapies. 🫠🙀

September 4

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