Cognitive behavioral therapy with and without biofeedback in fibromyalgia: Assessment of functional and clinical change

Health Psychol Open. 2022 Jun 17;9(1):20551029221106044. doi: 10.1177/20551029221106044. eCollection 2022 Jan-Jun.

Abstract

The study compared the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with biofeedback or with emotional expression in individuals with fibromyalgia, and a waiting list control group. 88 women participated in a naturalistic study with random assignment. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SCL-90R, and a visual analog quality of life scale were used. Both intervention groups improved, but differed in physical and emotional control response. Using the reliable change index procedure, clinical improvement occurred in 18.8% of participants, and 4.8% achieved scores comparable with clinical recovery. Greater specificity on therapeutic objectives is warranted.

Keywords: biofeedback therapy; chronic illness; cognitive behavioral therapy; effectiveness; intervention; pain.