Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with fibromyalgia: a single blind, randomized controlled study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-lasting musculoskeletal pain, which remains a problematic clinical entity globally and the management of this condition is a challenge for the health providers. Numerous individual treatment options are available to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but a specificity tailored to particular patient is still missing. Thus, in this study we tested both the individual effects of physiotherapy techniques and the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy along with physiotherapy techniques would bring any changes on the fibromyalgia symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the combined effect of cognitive behavioral therapy along with physiotherapy techniques in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. METHODS: This experimental study recruited 60 FM participants aged 18-50 years from Dehradun, India and were randomized into one of 2 groups: Integrated Physiotherapy only, integrated physiotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for 12 weeks. Visual analogue scale, revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, beck depression index, shortform-36 health surveys, Pain pressure algometer, General Anxiety Disorder - 7 were recorded at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks and twelve weeks. RESULTS: After three months significant improvement (p<0.05) were noted on all the above outcome measures of integrated physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy group. CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with Physiotherapy treatment had an effect to reduce the depression and disability, improvement on the quality of life on fibromyalgia.