It is estimated that 4.7% of the European population suffers from Fibromyalgia (5.8% women and 3.5% men). Despite being a disease recognized by the World Health Organization and some European countries, most patients have difficulty accessing appropriate treatment/follow-up and many of the diagnoses are late. Being an invisible disease, it places an even greater weight on these people, because much of society, and even health professionals, do not believe in the existence of Fibromyalgia.
Few European countries have legislation to support these patients. This has enormous consequences for these people on many levels. A lot of people feel excluded because of their diagnosis.