Mindfulness training for reducing anger, anxiety, and depression in fibromyalgia patients

Front Psychol. 2015 Jan 12:5:1572. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01572. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a disabling syndrome. Results obtained with different therapies are very limited to date. The goal of this study was to verify whether the application of a mindfulness-based training program was effective in modifying anger, anxiety, and depression levels in a group of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This study is an experimental trial that employed a waiting list control group. Measures were taken at three different times: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The statistical analyses revealed a significant reduction of anger (trait) levels, internal expression of anger, state anxiety, and depression in the experimental group as compared to the control group, as well as a significant increase in internal control of anger. It can be concluded that the mindfulness-based treatment was effective after 7 weeks. These results were maintained 3 months after the end of the intervention.

Keywords: anger; anxiety; depression; fibromyalgia; mindfulness.