Cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces the interfering effects of fibromyalgia pain

In a recent randomized clinical trial of patients with fibromyalgia, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-;which uses structured techniques to alter distorted thoughts and negative moods-;was superior to a matched education treatment in reducing the interfering effects of pain and other aspects of fibromyalgia on daily living.

Within the group that received CBT in the trial, which is published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, improvements were at least partly attributable to reductions in what's known as catastrophizing, a state comprised of cognitive and emotional processes such as helplessness, rumination, and magnification of pain complaints.

Neuroimaging tests indicated that CBT exerts these effects by altering the connectivity of specific regions of the brain. Therefore, changes in the brain circuitry underlying pain catastrophizing may underpin CBT's benefits for patients with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by function-impairing symptoms such as widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and psychosocial distress.

These findings contribute to a growing literature highlighting the benefits of non-pharmacologic treatments-;including CBT-;for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. Identifying the multiple biopsychosocial mechanisms by which these treatments help to alleviate pain may help to facilitate the practice of precision pain medicine and improve treatment outcomes for the many patients suffering from chronic pain."

Jeungchan Lee, PhD, corresponding author of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School

Source:
Journal reference:

Lee, J., et al. (2023) A Randomized, Controlled Neuroimaging Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Fibromyalgia Pain. Arthritis & Rheumatology. doi.org/10.1002/art.42672.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Walking and education intervention significantly reduces recurrence of low back pain