Background/Purpose: Fibromyalgia (FM) effects upwards of 60 million adults in the US alone. The disability and psychological distress often observed in these patients has been documented. Despite a recent update of diagnostic criteria for FM by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the availability of demonstrated effective interventions for the treatment of FM, patients continue to be misunderstood, misdiagnosed and often left untreated. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness and durability of a brief multidisciplinary intervention for patients with FM provided in a tertiary care setting in improving functioning and psychological distress.

Methods: Four hundred and twenty two (422) patients who participated in the Fibromyalgia Treatment Program between August 2015 and August 2016 were subjects in this study. The patients in the study were referred to a tertiary medical center for evaluation of fibromyalgia symptoms and were subsequently diagnosed with FM by meeting the 2010 ACR criteria. The patients were then enrolled in a 2-day multidisciplinary treatment program. Patients completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire – Revised (FIQR), the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) at the time of admission to the program and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. The treatment program targeted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills of evidence-based education regarding FM, chronic fatigue and central sensitization in addition to activity pacing, exercise, relaxation strategies, sleep hygiene, and moderation.

Results: The average age of patients was 48 years with a range of 19-79. The majority was female (90%). Duration of fibromyalgia symptoms on average was 10 years at the time of referral. At the time of admission to the program, patients were functionally impaired and psychologically distressed. The FIQR results on admission showed an average score of 60.0 which is in the severe level of impairment range. The average CES-D score on admission was 25.4 suggesting significant depression. The PCS scores on admission were on average 25 suggesting elevated levels of pain catastrophizing. At 3-month follow-up, the scores on all three measures were significantly decreased and the improvement observed across all scores were maintained or further improved at 6 month follow-up.

Conclusion: A brief multidisciplinary treatment program for patients with Fibromyalgia appears to be effective at decreasing functional impairment and psychological distress and the improvements are maintained or further improved at 3 and 6 month follow-up.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/effectiveness-and-durability-of-a-brief-multidisciplinary-treatment-program-for-patients-with-fibromyalgia/