Familial aggregation of depression in fibromyalgia: a community-based test of alternate hypotheses The London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study: the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in London, Ontario. Sexual and Physical Abuse in Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Test of the Trauma Hypothesis Inaccuracy in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome: analysis of referrals. Meditation awareness training for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized controlled trial Psychiatric comorbidities in a community sample of women with fibromyalgia Elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of substance P in patients with the fibromyalgia syndrome. Changes associated with a quota-based approach on a walking program for individuals with fibromyalgia. Resistance Exercise Training on Disease Impact, Pain Catastrophizing and Autonomic Modulation in Women with Fibromyalgia The effect of Qigong on Fibromyalgia (FMS): A controlled randomized study Clinical and Economic Characteristics of Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome Balneotherapy for fibromyalgia at the Dead Sea Economic cost and epidemiological characteristics of patients with fibromyalgia claims. Management of patients with fibromyalgia using biofeedback: a randomized control trial. Effects of acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia: A preliminary randomised controlled trial Utility of the PedsQL Rheumatology Module as an Outcome Measure in Juvenile Fibromyalgia The effect of dietary glutamate on fibromyalgia and irritable bowel symptoms. Exercise in warm water decreases pain and improves cognitive function in middle-aged women with fibromyalgia. Randomized Controlled Trial of Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Fibromyalgia. The efficacy of mindfulness meditation plus Qigong movement therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of pregabalin in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia Predictors of success of intervention programs for persons with fibromyalgia.
& NA ; Numerous studies report that fibromyalgia ( FM ) , a syndrome characterized by widespread pain and generalized tender points , is comorbid with major depressive disorder ( MDD ) . The current study tests two alternate explanations for their comorbidity using a family study methodology . The first is that FM is a depression spectrum disorder . The second is that depression is a consequence of living with FM . We recruited potential prob and s by initially screening by telephone for FM and MDD among women in the NY/NJ metropolitan area , r and omly selecting telephone numbers from a list of households with women . Eligible women were invited for second stage physical examinations for FM diagnosis and psychiatric interviews for MDD diagnosis . All available adult , first‐degree relatives received psychiatric interviews . Relatives of prob and s were divided into four groups on the basis of the prob and s ' FM and MDD diagnoses ( FM+/MDD+ ( n=156 ) , FM+/MDD− ( n=51 ) , FM−/MDD+ ( n=351 ) and FM−/MDD− ( n=101 ) ) . Results indicated that rates of MDD in the relatives of prob and s with FM but without personal histories of MDD were virtually identical to rates of MDD in relatives of prob and s with MDD themselves . This outcome is consistent with the hypothesis that FM is a depression spectrum disorder , in which FM and MDD are characterized by shared , familially mediated risk factors . The implication s of these findings for a stress‐vulnerability model of FM are discussed OBJECTIVE To estimate the point prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome ( FM )  among noninstitutionalized Canadian adults ; and to assess the effect of demographic variables on the odds of having FM . METHODS A screening question naire was administered via telephone to a r and om community sample of 3395 noninstitutionalized adults residing in London , Ontario . Individuals screening positive were invited to be examined by a rheumatologist to confirm or exclude FM using the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria . RESULTS One hundred confirmed cases of FM were identified , of whom 86 were women . Mean age among FM cases was 49.2 years among women , 39.3 years among men ( p < 0.02 ) . FM affects an estimated 4.9 % ( 95 % CI 4.7 % , 5.1 % ) of adult women and 1.6 % ( 1.3 % , 1.9 % ) of adult men in London , for a female to male ratio of roughly 3 to one . In women , prevalence rises steadily with age from < 1 % in women aged 18 - 30 to almost 8 % in women 55 - 64 . Thereafter , it declines . The peak prevalence in men also appears to be in middle age ( 2.5 % ; 1.1 % , 5.7 % ) . FM affects 3.3 % ( 3.2 % , 3.4 % ) of noninstitutionalized adults in London . Female sex , middle age , less education , lower household income , being divorced , and being disabled are associated with increased odds of having FM . CONCLUSION FM is a common musculoskeletal disorder among Canadian adults , especially among women and persons of lower socioeconomic status Objectives : According to the trauma hypothesis , women with fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) are more likely to report a history of sexual and /or physical abuse than women without FMS . In this study , we rely on a community sample to test this hypothesis and the related prediction that women with FMS are more likely to have posttraumatic stress disorder than women without FMS . Methods : Eligibility for the present study was limited to an existing community sample in which FMS and major depressive disorder were prevalent . The unique composition of the original sample allowed us to recruit women with and without FMS from the community . A total of 52 female participants were enrolled in the present FMS group and 53 in the control ( no FMS ) group .  Sexual and physical abuse were assessed retrospectively using a st and ardized telephone interview . Results : Except for rape , sexual and physical abuse were reported equally often by women in the FMS and control groups . Women who reported rape were 3.1 times more likely to have FMS than women who did not report rape ( P < 0.05 ) . There was no evidence of increased childhood abuse in the FMS group . Women with FMS were more likely to have posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms ( intrusive thoughts and arousal ) as well as posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis ( P < 0.01 ) . Discussion : With the exception of rape , no self-reported sexual or physical abuse event was associated with FMS in this community sample . In accord with the trauma hypothesis , however , posttraumatic stress disorder was more prevalent in the FMS group . Chronic stress in the form of posttraumatic stress disorder but not major depressive disorder may mediate the relationship between rape and FMS OBJECTIVE To examine prospect ively the accuracy of an initial diagnosis for fibromyalgia ( FM ) . METHODS All patients newly referred for rheumatology consultation in a 6-month period were evaluated prospect ively for either a preceding , current or subsequent diagnosis of FM . Clinical characteristics , previous and subsequent management and health care utilization were assessed . The final diagnosis at 6 months was verified and accuracy regarding the diagnosis of FM was assessed . RESULTS Seventy six ( 12 % ) of all new patients were either referred with a question of FM or finally diagnosed with FM . At the final evaluation the accuracy of the diagnosis regarding FM by either the referring physician or by the rheumatologist at the time of the initial visit was correct in 34 % of patients . The FM group in comparison with those with some other rheumatological diagnosis had more tender points ( 12.5 vs 4 ) and were more fatigued . In contrast , prolonged early morning stiffness and limitation of lumbar spinal mobility in more than one plane was more common in the non-FM group . CONCLUSION There is a disturbing inaccuracy , mostly observed to be overdiagnosis , in the diagnosis of FM by referring physicians . This finding may help explain the current high reported rates of FM and caution physicians to consider other diagnostic possibilities when addressing diffuse musculoskeletal pain OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to conduct the first r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) to evaluate the effectiveness of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention ( SG-MBI ) for treating fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) . Compared to first-generation mindfulness-based interventions , SG-MBIs are more acknowledging of the spiritual aspect of mindfulness . DESIGN A RCT employing intent-to-treat analysis . METHODS Adults with FMS received an 8-week SG-MBI known as meditation awareness training ( MAT ; n = 74 ) or an  active control intervention known as cognitive behaviour theory for groups ( n = 74 ) . Assessment s were performed at pre- , post- , and 6-month follow-up phases . RESULTS Meditation awareness training participants demonstrated significant and sustained improvements over control group participants in FMS symptomatology , pain perception , sleep quality , psychological distress , non-attachment ( to self , symptoms , and environment ) , and civic engagement . A mediation analysis found that ( 1 ) civic engagement partially mediated treatment effects for all outcome variables , ( 2 ) non-attachment partially mediated treatment effects for psychological distress and sleep quality , and ( 3 ) non-attachment almost fully mediated treatment effects for FMS symptomatology and pain perception . Average daily time spent in meditation was found to be a significant predictor of changes in all outcome variables . CONCLUSIONS Meditation awareness training may be a suitable treatment for adults with FMS and appears to ameliorate FMS symptomatology and pain perception by reducing attachment to self . Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject ? Design ing interventions to treat fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) continues to be a challenge . There is growing interest into the applications of mindfulness-based interventions for treating FMS . Second-generation mindfulness-based interventions ( SG-MBIs ) are a key new direction in mindfulness research . What does this study add ? Meditation awareness training - an SG-MBI - result ed in significant reductions in FMS symptomatology . SG-MBIs recognize the spiritual aspect of mindfulness and may have a role in the treatment of FMS Abstract Prior studies of careseeking fibromyalgia ( FM ) patients often report that they have an elevated risk of psychiatric disorders , but biased sampling may distort true risk . The current investigation utilizes state‐of‐the‐art diagnostic procedures for both FM and psychiatric disorders to estimate prevalence rates of FM and the comorbidity of FM and specific psychiatric disorders in a diverse community sample of women . Participants were screened by telephone for  FM and MDD , by r and omly selecting telephone numbers from a list of households with women in the NY/NJ metropolitan area . Eligible women were invited to complete physical examinations for FM and clinician‐administered psychiatric interviews . Data were weighted to adjust for sampling procedures and population demographics . The estimated overall prevalence of FM among women in the NY/NJ metropolitan area was 3.7 % ( 95 % CI = 3.2 , 4.4 ) , with higher rates among racial minorities .  Although risk of current MDD was nearly 3‐fold higher in community women with than without FM , the groups had similar risk of lifetime MDD . Risk of lifetime anxiety disorders , particularly obsessive compulsive disorder and post‐traumatic stress disorder , was approximately 5‐fold higher among women with FM . Overall , this study found a community prevalence for FM among women that replicates prior North American studies , and revealed that FM may be even more prevalent among racial minority women . These community‐based data also indicate that the relationship between MDD and FM may be more complicated than previously thought , and call for an increased focus on anxiety disorders in FM OBJECTIVE To measure , and seek clinical correlates with , levels of  substance P ( SP ) in the cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) of fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) patients . METHODS CSF from 32 FMS patients and 30 normal control subjects was tested for SP by radioimmunoassay . Clinical measures included tender point examination and st and ardized question naires . RESULTS CSF SP levels were 3-fold higher in FMS patients than in normal controls ( P < 0.001 ) , but they correlated only weakly with tenderness found on examination . CONCLUSION SP is significantly elevated in FMS CSF , but other abnormalities must exist in FMS to more fully explain the symptoms STUDY DESIGN Single-subject , multiple-baseline design across 3 subjects . OBJECTIVE To investigate the use of a quota-based approach to prescribing a walking program for individuals with fibromyalgia ( FM ) . BACKGROUND Exercise has been found to be beneficial for individuals with FM . What has not been determined is the best way to implement an exercise program that does not increase FM symptoms . METHODS AND MEASURES Three women with FM were r and omly assigned a baseline period of 5 , 6 , or 7 weeks , which served as the control phase , followed by an intervention period consisting of an 8-week walking program . The walking program progression was prescribed using a quota-based approach . Weekly outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ( FIQ ) , Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale ( ASES ) , and SF-36v2 ( acute ) . A 6-minute walk test was recorded twice : at the start of the baseline phase ( after a trial phase ) and at the end of the intervention phase . RESULTS Subjects 1 and 3 had a significant decrease in the symptoms associated with FM during the intervention phase ( FIQ , P<.05 ) , but no significant increase in self-efficacy ( ASES ) . They increased their walking distances used for exercise by 640 and 480 m , respectively . Subject 2 had no significant improvements in her symptoms of FM . Despite a significant decrease in ASES ( P<.05 ) , walking distance used for exercise by subject 2 increased by 2080 m. Six-minute walk test distances increased 76 , 32 , and 106 m for subjects 1 , 2 , and 3 , respectively . CONCLUSIONS Prescribing a walking program using a quota-based exercise prescription result ed in increasing the distance walked for 3 subjects . It also decreased symptoms associated with FM in 2 of the 3 subjects , but did not increase self-efficacy Women with fibromyalgia ( FM ) often complain of whole-body pain , and muscle fatigue , which may be related to autonomic dysfunction . Therefore , the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise training ( RET ) on disease impact , pain catastrophizing , and autonomic modulation in women with FM . Women with FM ( n=26 ) and healthy control women ( HC : n=9 ) , aged 19–65 yrs , were compared at rest . Women with FM were r and omly assigned to a resistance-training group ( FM-RT : n=14 ) or a non-exercising control group ( FM-CON : n=12 ) . Women in the FM-RT group underwent 8-weeks of RET on 4 different exercises , 2 times per week , 3 sets of 8–12 repetitions at 50%-60 % of the pre-determined 1-repetition max ( 1RM ) . Autonomic modulation was assessed using heart rate variability and heart rate complexity . Healthy control women had a lower resting heart rate , decreased normalized low-frequency power , and increased normalized high-frequency power compared to the FM groups at rest . After the 8-week intervention , significant increases ( p ≤ 0.05 ) in 1RM were observed for both chest press and leg extension for women in the RT group . Disease impact was significantly reduced ( p ≤ 0.05 ) for participants in the FM-RT group ( FM-RT : 59±12 to 41±24 units ; FM-CON : 72±7 to71±8 units ) , but pain catastrophizing was unaltered . There were no significant changes in autonomic modulation after the RET intervention . These data demonstrate that while women with FM may still have autonomic dysfunction after undergoing a RET  program , disease impact was significantly reduced Purpose . To evaluate the effect of a 7-week Qigong intervention on subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome ( FMS ) . Methods . The study was a controlled r and omized study with repeated measures . Fifty-seven FMS female subjects were r and omly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 29 ) or a waiting-list control group ( n = 28 ) . After completion of the experimental part , the control group received the same intervention . Collection of data was made at pre- and post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up for both groups . Results . During the experimental part of the study , significant improvements were found for the intervention group , at post-treatment , regarding different aspects of pain and psychological health and distress . Almost identical results were found for the combined group . At 4-month follow-up , the majority of these results were either maintained or improved . Conclusion . The overall results show that Qigong has positive and reliable effects regarding FMS . A high degree of completion , 93 % , and contentment with the intervention further support the potential of the treatment . The results of the study are encouraging and suggest that Qigong intervention could be a useful complement to medical treatment for subjects with FMS Objectives Fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) is a chronic disorder defined by widespread muscle pain and multiple tender points . The objectives of this study were to estimate prevalence of comorbidities , healthcare re sources utilization , and costs associated with FMS . Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Quebec provincial health plans ( RAMQ ) for a r and om sample of patients with diagnoses of FMS and a control cohort of patients without FMS , matched for age and gender . Prevalence of comorbidities was estimated . Healthcare re sources consumed by FMS and non-FMS patients were identified in terms of visits to physicians , physician 's interventions , pain-related medications , nonpain-related medications , and hospitalizations . Results A total of 16,010 patients with 2 diagnoses of FMS were identified , and control patients were r and omly selected with a ratio of 1:1 . Incidence of most comorbidities was significantly higher in the FMS group and the chronic disease score ( 3.8 vs. 2.8 ; ANOVA P < 0.001 ) . The proportion of patients with at least 1 comorbidity was 87.4 % in the FMS group and 60.1 % in the control group ( χ2P<0.001 ) . The annual number of visits to physician and physician 's interventions was 25.1 for FMS and 14.8 for non-FMS patients . The amount paid by the RAMQ was significantly higher for patients with FMS ( $ 4065 ) compared with patients without FMS ( $ 2766 ) ( ANOVA P<0.001 ) . Discussion Results of this analysis of the RAMQ data base illustrate the high prevalence of comorbidities among patients with a diagnosis of FMS and strongly indicate that the economic burden of FMS is substantial Abstract . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of balneotherapy on patients with fibromyalgia ( FM ) at the Dead Sea . Forty-eight patients with FM were r and omly assigned to a treatment group receiving sulfur baths and a control group .  All participants stayed for 10 days at a Dead Sea spa .  Physical functioning , FM-related symptoms , and tenderness measurements ( point count and dolorimetry ) were assessed at four time points : prior to arrival at the Dead Sea , after 10 days of treatment , and 1 and 3 months after leaving the spa . Physical functioning and tenderness moderately improved in both groups . With the exception of tenderness threshold , the improvement was especially notable in the treatment group and it persisted even after 3 months . Relief in the severity of FM-related symptoms ( pain , fatigue , stiffness , and anxiety ) and reduced frequency of symptoms ( headache , sleep problems , and subjective joint swelling ) were reported in both groups but lasted longer in the treatment group . In conclusion , treatment of FM at the Dead Sea is effective and safe and may become an additional therapeutic modality in FM . Future studies should address the outcome and possible mechanisms of this treatment in FM patients OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia ( FM ) is characterized by widespread pain that can lead to significant patient disability , complex management decisions for physicians , and economic burden on society . We investigated the total costs of FM in an employer population . METHODS Administrative cl aims data of a Fortune 100 manufacturer were used to quantify direct ( i.e. , medical and pharmaceutical cl aims ) and indirect ( i.e. , disability cl aims and imputed absenteeism ) costs associated with FM . A total of 4699 patients with at least one FM cl aim between 1996 and 1998 were contrasted with a 10 % r and om sample of the overall beneficiary population . Employee-only subsets of both sample s also were drawn . RESULTS Medical utilization , receipt of prescription drugs , and annual total costs were proportionately similar yet significantly greater among FM cl aim ants than the overall sample ( all p < 0.0001 ) . Total annual costs for FM cl aim ants were $ 5945 versus $ 2486 for the typical beneficiary ( p < 0.0001 ) . Six percent of these costs were attributable to FM-specific cl aims . The prevalence of disability was twice as high among FM employees than overall employees ( p < 0.0001 ) . For every dollar spent on FM-specific cl aims , the employer spent another $ 57 to $ 143 on additional direct and indirect costs . CONCLUSION Hidden costs of disability and comorbidities greatly increase the true burden of FM . Regardless of the clinical underst and ing of FM , when a cl aim for FM is present , considerable costs are involved . Findings suggest that within the management of FM there may be large cost-offset opportunities for reductions in patient , physician , and employer burdens OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) is a chronic rheumatological condition which could be characterized by generalized pain and fatigue . Cognitive and behavioral therapy has been found to be a suitable technique in the management of FMS . This study intends to evaluate the efficacy of electromyography ( EMG ) biofeedback to reduce pain in patients with FMS . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A r and omized controlled trial involving two groups of FMS patients , one receiving EMG biofeedback and the other a sham biofeedback  , was carried out . The assessment tools included in the study were fibromyalgia impact question naire ( FIQ ) , visual analogue scale ( VAS ) , six-minute walk test ( SMWT ) and number of tender points ; and tenderness of each tender point was done for both the groups . STATISTICS A Student 's ' t ' test was used to study the test for significance . RESULTS After using biofeedback , the mean VAS scores and the mean number of tender points were found to be 3 out of 10 and 6 out of 18 respectively . Subjective analysis from both groups showed improvement in physical and psychological realms . Statistical significance . CONCLUSION Biofeedback as a treatment modality reduces pain in patients with FMS , along with improvements in FIQ , SMWT and the number of tender points Background Acupuncture is often used to treat fibromyalgia ( FM ) , but it remains unclear whether acupuncture is effective . This study aims to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on pain and quality of life ( QoL ) in FM patients . Methods Sixteen patients ( 13 women and 3 men aged 25 - 63 years ) suffering from FM were r and omised into two groups : group A ( n = 8) received five acupuncture treatments after the fifth week and group B received ten acupuncture treatments . Outcome measures used in this study were pain intensity ( visual analogue scale , VAS ) and the fibromyalgia impact question naire ( FIQ ) . Results After the fifth week , pain intensity ( U = 25.0 ; P = 0.022 ) in group B decreased and QoL ( U = 24.5 ; P = 0.026 ) improved compared to group A. Conclusion The present study suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective to relieve pain for FM patients in terms of QoL and FIQ The PedsQL rheumatology module is currently the only available measure of disease‐specific quality of life for children and adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia ( FM ) , but limited information has been published about the psychometric properties of the instrument , specifically in juvenile FM . The objective of this study was to assess the reliability , validity , and sensitivity to change of the 5 scales ( pain and hurt , daily activities , treatment , worry , and communication ) of the patient and parent proxy versions of the PedsQL rheumatology module in the context of a r and omized controlled trial in juvenile FM OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of a challenge with monosodium glutamate ( MSG ) as compared to placebo on the symptoms of fibromyalgia ( FM ) , in participants who initially experienced > 30 % remission of symptoms on an excitotoxin elimination diet . METHODS Fifty-seven FM patients who also had irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ) were placed on a 4-week diet that excluded dietary additive excitotoxins including MSG and aspartame .  Thirty-seven people completed the diet and 84 % of those reported that > 30 % of their symptoms resolved , thus making them eligible to proceed to challenges . Subjects who improved on the diet were then r and omised to a 2-week double-blind placebo-controlled crossover challenge with MSG or placebo for 3 consecutive days each week . The primary outcome measure was total symptom score . Secondary outcome measures included visual analogue pain scales ( VAS for FM and IBS ) , an IBS Quality of Life Question naire ( IBS QOL ) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire-Revised ( FIQR ) . Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse crossover challenge results . RESULTS The MSG challenge , as compared to placebo , result ed in a significant return of symptoms ( total symptom score , p<0.02 ) ; a worsening of fibromyalgia severity as determined by the FIQR ( p<0.03 ) ; decreased quality of life in regards to IBS symptoms ( IBS QOL , p<0.05 ) ; and a non-significant trend toward worsening FM pain based on visual analogue scale ( VAS , p<0.07 ) . CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that dietary glutamate may be contributing to FM symptoms in some patients . Future research on the role of dietary excitotoxins in FM is warranted OBJECTIVES To compare the cognitive function performance in patients with fibromyalgia ( FM ) with respect healthy controls and to evaluate the short-term efficacy of exercise therapy in a warm , chest-high pool on pain and cognitive function in women with FM . METHODS Sixty middle-aged women with FM were r and omly assigned to either an exercise training group ( n = 35 ) to perform 3 sessions per week of aquatic training ( 32 degrees C ) including mobility , aerobic , strengthening , and relaxation exercises for 16 weeks , or a control group ( n = 25 ) . Twenty-five healthy women matched for age , weight , body mass index , and educational and physical activity levels were recruited .  Pain was assessed in patients using a syringe calibrated like a pressure dolorimeter , and a visual analog scale . The severity of FM was evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire . Cognitive function was measured in healthy individuals and patients using several st and ardized neuropsychological tests . All patients were measured at baseline and post-treatment . RESULTS At baseline , the healthy group evidence d cognitive performance that was significantly superior to the group of patients with FM in all of the neuropsychological tests . The exercise group significantly improved their pain threshold , tender point count , self-reported pain , severity of FM , and cognitive function , while in the control group the differences were not significant . CONCLUSION An exercise therapy three times per week for 16 weeks in a warm-water pool is an adequate treatment to decrease the pain and severity of FM well as to improve cognitive function in previously unfit women with FM and heightened painful symptomatology In this study , 67 participants ( 95 % female ) with fibromyalgia ( FM ) were r and omly assigned to an online acceptance and commitment therapy ( online ACT ) and treatment as usual ( TAU ; ACT + TAU ) protocol or a TAU control condition . Online ACT + TAU participants were asked to complete 7 modules over an 8-week period . Assessment s were completed at pre-treatment , post-treatment , and 3-month follow-up periods and included measures of FM impact ( primary outcome ) , depression , pain , sleep , 6-minute walk , sit to st and , pain acceptance ( primary process variable ) , mindfulness , cognitive fusion , valued living , kinesiophobia , and pain catastrophizing . The results indicated that online ACT + TAU participants significantly improved in FM impact , relative to TAU ( P < .001 ) , with large between condition effect sizes at post-treatment ( 1.26 ) and follow-up ( 1.59 ) . Increases in pain acceptance significantly mediated these improvements ( P = .005 ) . Significant improvements in favor of online ACT + TAU were also found on measures of depression ( P = .02 ) , pain ( P = .01 ) , and kinesiophobia ( P = .001 ) . Although preliminary , this study highlights the potential for online ACT to be an efficacious , accessible , and cost-effective treatment for people with FM and other chronic pain conditions . PERSPECTIVE Online ACT reduced FM impact relative to a TAU control condition in this r and omized controlled trial . Reductions in FM impact were mediated by improvements in pain acceptance . Online ACT appears to be a promising intervention for FM OBJECTIVE To test the short and longterm benefits of an 8 week mind-body intervention that combined training in mindfulness meditation with Qigong movement therapy for individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome ( FM ) . METHODS A total of 128 individuals with FM were r and omly assigned to the mind-body training program or an education support group that served as the control . Outcome measures were pain , disability ( Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ) , depression , myalgic score ( number and severity of tender points ) , 6 minute walk time , and coping strategies , which were assessed at baseline and at 8 , 16 , and 24 weeks . RESULTS Both groups registered statistically significant improvements across time for the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire , Total Myalgic Score , Pain , and Depression , and no improvement in the number of feet traversed in the 6 minute walk . However , there was no difference in either the rate or magnitude of these changes between the mind-body training group and the education control group . Salutary changes occurring by the eighth week ( which corresponded to the end of the mind-body and education control group sessions ) were largely maintained by both groups throughout the 6 month followup period . CONCLUSION While both groups showed improvement on a number of outcome variables , there was no evidence that the multimodal mind-body intervention for FM was superior to education and support as a treatment option . Additional r and omized controlled trials are needed before interventions of this kind can be recommended for treatment of FM OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for symptomatic relief of pain  associated with fibromyalgia ( FM ) and for management of FM . METHODS This multicenter , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial r and omly assigned 748 patients with FM to receive placebo or pregabalin 300 , 450 , or 600 mg/day ( dosed twice daily ) for 13 weeks . The primary outcome variable for study objective 1 , symptomatic relief of pain associated with FM , was comparison of endpoint mean pain scores between each pregabalin group and placebo . The outcome variable for study objective 2 , management of FM , included endpoint mean pain scores , Patient Global Impression of Change ( PGIC ) , and Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire (FIQ)-Total Score . Secondary outcomes included assessment s of sleep , fatigue , and mood disturbance . RESULTS Patients in all pregabalin groups showed statistically significant improvement in endpoint mean pain score and in PGIC response compared with placebo . Improvements in FIQ-Total Score for the pregabalin groups were numerically but not significantly greater than those for the placebo group . Compared with placebo , all pregabalin treatment groups showed statistically significant improvement in assessment s of sleep and in patients ' impressions of their global improvement . Dizziness and somnolence were the most frequently reported adverse events . CONCLUSION Pregabalin at 300 , 450 , and 600 mg/day was efficacious and safe for treatment of pain associated with FM . Pregabalin monotherapy provides clinical ly meaningful benefit to patients with FM & NA ; A mounting body of literature recommends that treatment for fibromyalgia ( FM ) encompass medications , exercise and improvement of coping skills . However , there is a significant gap in determining an effective counterpart to pharmacotherapy that incorporates both exercise and coping . The aim of this r and omized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive yoga intervention on FM symptoms and coping . A sample of 53 female FM patients were r and omized to the 8‐week Yoga of Awareness program ( gentle poses , meditation , breathing exercises , yoga‐based coping instructions , group discussion s ) or to wait‐listed st and ard care . Data were analyzed by intention to treat . At post‐treatment , women assigned to the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements on st and ardized measures of FM symptoms and functioning , including pain , fatigue , and mood , and in pain catastrophizing , acceptance , and other coping strategies . This pilot study provides promising support for the potential benefits of a yoga program for women with FM OBJECTIVE To determine which sociodemographic , psychological , and behavioral characteristics of persons with fibromyalgia ( FM ) will predict a positive response to treatment ; and to determine if subjects classified according to the Multidimensional Pain Inventory ( MPI ) responded differently to the interventions . METHODS One hundred twenty-eight women with FM underwent baseline testing and were r and omized into one of 3 intervention groups or a control group . After the 12 week program , the subjects were reexamined on the same pretest measures . Stepwise regression analyses were conducted to determine the variables that could significantly predict the change in the dependent variables . A reliability of change index was calculated to determine the proportion of responders and nonresponders . RESULTS The stepwise regression revealed significant predictor variables for change for all dependent variables except the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ; however , the percentage of the variance in the change scores explained by the independent variables ranged from 4 to 15 % . Results from the reliability of change index indicated that no MPI subgroup responded more than another group on any measure . CONCLUSION Select sociodemographic and psychosocial variables and type of intervention were not strong predictors of improvement in a variety of measures after a treatment program . The low percentage of explained variance may be due to the heterogeneity of FM . Additionally , the low percentage of responders suggests that current forms of treatment are not effective for a large portion of the FM population
Invariably , their results suggested that homoeopathy was better than the control interventions in alleviating the symptoms of FM .
Homoeopathy is often advocated for fibromyalgia ( FM ) and many FM patients use it .