Fibromyalgia: Can Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help? Article

PMID: 25249800 Web of Science: 000420374000011

Cited authors

  • Menga, Gwendoline; Ing, Sharon; Khan, Omar; Dupre, Bobby; Dornelles, Adriana C.; Alarakhia, Anika; Davis, William; Zakem, Jerald; Webb-Detiege, Tamika; Scopelitis, Eve; Quinet, Robert

Abstract

  • Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven useful in treating fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. Computerized delivery of CBT allows increased access to such therapy. This study assessed the effect of internet-based CBT on Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) composite scores and tender point assessments.; Methods: This 12-week randomized controlled trial included patients >= 18 years of age with 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia and mild to moderate depression and anxiety. A total of 56 subjects were randomized into either a 6-week internet-based CBT group (MoodGYM) or a control group (standard care). We evaluated patients in both groups at 1-, 6-, and 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was change in FIQ composite score. A secondary outcome measure was change in tender point assessment.; Results: The mean age of study participants was 55 years, and 88% were female. Mean FIQ scores were significantly lower in the MoodGYM group compared to the control group (P<0.05 for group differences at 6 and 12 weeks). Mean tender point scores were also significantly lower in the MoodGYM group (P<0.001 at 6 and 12 weeks). We found no significant difference in the FIQ scores across the 3 timepoints in the MoodGYM group, but tender points showed a significant negative trend from baseline to 12-week follow-up.; Conclusion: Patients in the internet-based MoodGYM CBT program had lower FIQ and tender point scores at 6- and 12-week follow-up. Internet-based CBT could be beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate depression and anxiety in patients with fibromyalgia by allowing increased access to CBT.

Authors

Publication date

  • 2014

Published in

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1524-5012

Start page

  • 343

End page

  • 349

Volume

  • 14

Issue

  • 3