Fibromyalgia: can online cognitive behavioral therapy help?

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety.
• Computerized CBT delivery enhances accessibility to therapy.
• This study investigates internet-based CBT for fibromyalgia symptom management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of internet-based CBT on Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores.
• To evaluate changes in tender point assessments in fibromyalgia patients receiving internet-based CBT.
• To determine the efficacy of a digital CBT program for comorbid depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 56 adult patients meeting American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia.
• Participants had mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
• Intervention group received 6-week internet-based CBT (MoodGYM); control group received standard care, with assessments at 1, 6, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The internet-based CBT group (MoodGYM) showed significantly lower mean FIQ scores at 6 and 12 weeks compared to the control group (P<0.05).
• Mean tender point scores were significantly reduced in the MoodGYM group at 6 and 12 weeks (P<0.001).
• While FIQ scores did not change significantly over time within the MoodGYM group, tender points showed a significant decreasing trend from baseline to 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based CBT (MoodGYM) demonstrated significant benefits in reducing fibromyalgia impact and tender point pain.
• Digital CBT delivery provides a viable and accessible treatment option for managing depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients.
• This approach can improve patient outcomes by increasing access to evidence-based psychological therapies.