A comprehensive assessment of 10 adolescents (mean age 15.7 years) ful
filling the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia, disclosed that 3 patients a
lso had juvenile chronic arthritis. Based on semi-structured psychiatr
ic interviews, testing and family assessments, 6 of the patients had a
psychiatric diagnosis (over anxious and/or depressive disorders). The
pain scores for the group (mean 5.0, SD 1.5) were significantly highe
r than for a comparison group of patients with juvenile chronic arthri
tis (mean 2.5, SD 1.7), (p < 0.01). Average IQ was normal (mean 102.3,
SD 13.9), but striving for achievement and high parental expectations
were evident in 8 families. Seven of the mothers and 3 of the fathers
had chronic diseases. The frequency of individual and family stress i
ndicates a need for psychosocial assessment and counselling soon after
onset of symptoms. This study also serves as a reminder that the diag
nosis of juvenile chronic arthritis does not exclude fibromyalgia.