Imagined exposure as treatment of catastrophizing in fibromyalgia: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction. We want to assess the effectiveness of a new approach (imagined exposure) for the Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) in fibromyalgia.

Study design. Quasi-experimental design of a temporary nature in a single group with pre and post and with/without treatment.

Subjects and methods. Fibromyalgia patients, who met the American College of Rheumatology’s criteria for FM. In this study eight people took part, seven females and one male, selected from fibromyalgia Cantabria Association. The CBT consisted of 11 group sessions and lasted 15 weeks. All patients were evaluated before and after the program. The data were based on the following scales: visual-analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results. Despite finding improvements in every variable, no significant differences were found between pre and postreatment in VAS, HADS and FIQ. However, after treatment, significant differences were found in PCS (p< 0.05), and its three subscales. Moreover, rate decrease in rumination was higher after imagined exposure.

Conclusion. These results suggest that CBT is effective either in catastrophizing decreasing or in rumination. Imagined exposure may enhance the results in particular cases. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these results.