Internet-Delivered Exposure Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Pain Management
• Digital Health

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a widespread, disabling chronic pain condition.
• Current treatments offer insufficient relief for many patients.
• Exposure therapy shows promise for chronic pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Internet-delivered exposure therapy (iExp) for fibromyalgia.
• To conduct the first randomized controlled trial of exposure therapy for FM.

Main Methods:

• 140 participants with FM were randomized to a 10-week iExp or waitlist control (WLC).
• Primary outcomes included FM symptoms and impact.
• Secondary outcomes assessed fatigue, disability, quality of life, distress, avoidance, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Main Results:

• High data retention was observed across all time points.
• The iExp group showed large, superior improvements in FM symptoms and impact versus WLC (Cohen d=0.90).
• Significant improvements were noted in all secondary outcomes (Cohen d=0.44–1.38) with sustained effects.

Conclusions:

• Internet-delivered exposure therapy (iExp) is an efficacious treatment for fibromyalgia compared to no treatment.
• The Internet format enhances accessibility of psychological treatments for FM patients.
• Further research with active control groups is recommended.