EMDR treatment of fibromyalgia, a study of seven cases

Abstract

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a nonarticular rheumatic disease with unknown etiology and is characterized by widespread pain, increased tenderness in some anatomical regions, increased pain sensitivity, sleep disorders, fatigue and frequently by psychological distress. Though many approaches have been tried there is no effective treatment for FMS. The relationship between FMS and psychiatric disorders is known, recently some researches point to the frequency of psychological trauma in patients with FMS. The search for treatment for chronic painful conditions has more and more focused to psychotherapeutic approaches. In this study, seven patients diagnosed were attempted to be treated with EMDR approach. Methods: 22-41years aged six women and one man diagnosed with FMS were admitted to the study. Before and after the treatment tender point count was identified and patients scored their pain levels at Visuel Analog Scale. Patients filled in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), The Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS). If the patients have reported, trauma was focused on, if they have not reported any trauma, pain was focused. Five-eight sessions of EMDR was applied to the patients. Results: After the treatment, there were statistically significant reduction in patient reported VAS, PSQI, FIQ, PDS, and BDI scores. There was signify-cant decrease in tender point counts. Though there was no change in trait anger, anger-in and anger-out subscores of STAS, the increase in anger management subscore was significant. After the treatment, none of the patients met the FMS criteria but one patient (6th patient). Conclusion: EMDR therapy was effective in the treatment of these patients with FMS. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2012;13:75-81)