Fibromyalgia support and disability rights in Brazil

The Associação Fibromiálgicas do Brasil has launched the ‘Adote uma Fibromiálgica’ program, which connects volunteer psychologists with individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. The initiative aims to address the mental health challenges associated with the condition, such as depression and anxiety, which often stem from chronic pain, fatigue, and loss of autonomy. According to the Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia, fibromyalgia affects between 2% and 3% of the Brazilian population, primarily women aged 30 to 50.

In addition to mental health support, discussions regarding chronic pain highlight its impact on labor rights in Brazil. While chronic pain alone does not guarantee retirement, a permanent reduction in work capacity caused by conditions like fibromyalgia, herniated discs, or arthrosis can qualify individuals for disability-based retirement. This specific modality, which allows individuals to continue working after receiving benefits, is based on a biopsychosocial evaluation by the INSS and remains relatively unknown to many workers.