A pilot study of a combined intervention for management of juvenile primary fibromyalgia symptoms in adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric unit

Abstract

Background: Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and discrete tender points with no objective evidence of a muscle disease but with disordered central pain processing. Very little is known about the prevalence and treatment on inpatient psychiatric units.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an intervention for JPFS in adolescent females admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

Methods: In total, 30 patients with JPFS were assigned to either the intervention (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). The intervention group attended a fibromyalgia seminar followed by an audio-guided total body relaxation exercise. The control group participated in a seminar on skin care. Both groups completed a visual analog scale for affective states and somatic sensations before and after the seminar.

Results: Participants in the intervention group, but not the control group, demonstrated significant improvement in concentration, self-confidence, restfulness and comfort level (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05). They also reported a reduction in stress level, muscle tightness, stomach upset and feeling down (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) immediately after the intervention.

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a combined intervention can be used in the inpatient psychiatric setting to improve functioning and overall well-being of patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders and JPFS during acute hospitalization.