Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trial in Fibromyalgia

Previous studies have shown that the disorder fibromyalgia often is preceded by long-term stress. Moreover, an association has been shown between stress, pain and co-morbidity in these patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown effective in reducing stress, anxiety and pain in rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. The purpose of the present trial was to assess whether CBT may reduce pain and other symptoms and increase well-being and general function, affect biological markers for pain and long-term stress, to a larger extent than treatment "as usual". Forty eight women with verified fibromyalgia were randomly allocated to an early treatment group or a waiting list group. The early treatment group received CBT group treatment during six months. Measurements of outcome and potential outcome affecting variables were made at baseline, after six months and one year after baseline. The waiting list group received the same CBT treatment as the early treatment group after six months on the waiting list. The design is thus a traditional "waiting list design", allowing a two parallel group comparison during the first six months and a "before-after" analysis in both groups when the treatment was concluded.