Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic, wide-spread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disorder and muddled thinking. Many research studies have indicated the need for a multi-modal approach which usually includes CBT, hypnosis, and some form of movement therapy. The reported effectiveness of CBT has varied from one study to the next.
In 2015 the Scandinavian Journal of Pain published the research of B. Karlsson and associates on the treatment of fibromyalgia by means of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Following treatment, these patients indicated that they had more control over their lives and there was less interference from fibromyalgia. For many patients despite some continued interference from pain, they did not feel as physically exhausted showed less stress behavior. These improvements were maintained after a one year follow-up.
In March 2017 in the Clinical Journal of Pain, the research of A. Lazaridou and associates studied the role of CBT in reducing persistent stress from thinking about one's pain – catastrophizing. Their results may be added to the growing body of research that CBT can help to de-escalate the brain's response to fibromyalgia pain. Their results suggest that the use of CBT may reduce pain by reducing catastrophizing.
Personal statement. I believe CBT has a major role in the treatment for fibromyalgia because it's effectiveness is so well supported in professional journals in the USA and internationally. Additionally, CBT is often described as long lasting in it's results; most patients do not need to return every three months for a refill. If your present treatment has helped you to feel better and to function better, that is great. If however you feel that your situation could be a lot better, consider an alternate treatment that includes CBT.
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