A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

Abstract

Context: A novel mind-body approach (amygdala retraining) is hypothesized to improve symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Objective: To examine the use of a mind-body approach for improving symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Design: This was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: The study was conducted in a tertiary-care fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue clinic.

Patients: Patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or both were included.

Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to receive amygdala retraining along with standard care or standard care alone. Standard care involved attending a 1.5-day multidisciplinary program. The amygdala retraining group received an additional 2.5-hour training course in which the key tools and techniques adapted from an existing program were taught to the patient. A home-study video course and associated text were provided to supplement the on-site program. Both groups received telephone calls twice a month to answer questions related to technique and to provide support.

Main outcome measures: Validated self-report questionnaires related to general health, well-being, and symptoms, including Short Form-36, Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.

Results: Of the 44 patients randomly assigned who completed baseline assessments, 21 patients completed the study (14 in the standard care group and 7 in the study group). Median age was 48 years (range, 27-56 years), and female subjects comprised 91% of the group. Analyses demonstrated statistically significant improvements in scores for physical health, energy, pain, symptom distress, and fatigue in patients who received the amygdala retraining compared with standard care.