Evaluation of multimodal treatment program for fibromyalgia

A quasi-experimental design was used to assess a multimodal pain treatment program for female patients with fibromyalgia to ascertain immediate and long-term effects. Laboratory and self-report pain measures together with psychological measures were obtained from patients who were tested up to 6 months after treatment. Comparison data were also obtained from fibromyalgia patients who failed to qualify for the treatment program because of insurance coverage. Immediate and long-term treatment effects were evident with the psychological measures and the subjective pain measures but not with the laboratory pain measures. Participants who attended the month-long multimodal program achieved significant and positive changes on most of the outcome measures. However, relapse prevention must be addressed.