Fibromyalgia & musculoskeletal pain
Trends in incidence, patient characteristics, healthcare use, and medication in fibromyalgia: A large Israeli cohort study
Authors' conclusion
FM diagnoses have increased substantially over time, accompanied by evolving clinical and treatment patterns.
Study context
- Population
- Patients aged 12–90 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) between 2009 and 2024, Clalit Health Services, southern Israel
- Outcome
- Temporal trends in incidence and prevalence of diagnosed FM
- Follow-up
- 2009–2024
Methodological detailseight two-year intervals
- Eight two-year intervals
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Incidence and prevalence of diagnosed FM
- Both incidence and prevalence increased significantly; prevalence rose from 1.04% to 3.88%
- Largest incidence increases in ages 30-59 years; rates declined among adolescents
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Patient characteristics
- Proportion of male patients increased, mean age at diagnosis decreased, proportion without comorbid rheumatic disease increased
- Psychiatric comorbidities (anxiety, depression, PTSD) increased; overall comorbidity burden stable
Healthcare utilisation
- Fewer hospitalisations and specialist visits but increased imaging
Medication use
- Use of recommended medications remained limited; pregabalin, duloxetine and gabapentin prescriptions increased; amitriptyline and NSAID use declined
- Opioid use increased until 2019-2020 and subsequently decreased
Original publication
Trends in incidence, patient characteristics, healthcare use, and medication in fibromyalgia: A large Israeli cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 29 July 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →