Numerous studies report that fibromyalgia (FM), a syndrome characterized by widespread
pain and generalized tender points, is comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD). The
current study tests two alternate explanations for their comorbidity using a family study
methodology. The first is that FM is a depression spectrum disorder. The second is that
depression is a consequence of living with FM. We recruited potential probands by initially
screening by telephone for FM and MDD among women in the NY/NJ metropolitan area …