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Updated: May 24, 2026
A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Loren L Toussaint1, Mary O Whipple, Lana L Abboud
1Department of Psychology, Luther College, Decorah, IA 52101, USA. touslo01@luther.edu
Context:
A novel mind-body approach (amygdala retraining) is hypothesized to improve symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
Objective:
To examine the use of a mind-body approach for improving symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
Design:
This was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.
Setting:
The study was conducted in a tertiary-care fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue clinic.
Patients:
Patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or both were included.
Interventions:
Patients were randomly assigned to receive amygdala retraining along with standard care or standard care alone. Standard care involved attending a 1.5-day multidisciplinary program. The amygdala retraining group received an additional 2.5-hour training course in which the key tools and techniques adapted from an existing program were taught to the patient. A home-study video course and associated text were provided to supplement the on-site program. Both groups received telephone calls twice a month to answer questions related to technique and to provide support.
Main Outcome Measures:
Validated self-report questionnaires related to general health, well-being, and symptoms, including Short Form-36, Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.
Results:
Of the 44 patients randomly assigned who completed baseline assessments, 21 patients completed the study (14 in the standard care group and 7 in the study group). Median age was 48 years (range, 27-56 years), and female subjects comprised 91% of the group. Analyses demonstrated statistically significant improvements in scores for physical health, energy, pain, symptom distress, and fatigue in patients who received the amygdala retraining compared with standard care.
