Fibromyalgia - Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral Therapy

Studies show that fibromyalgia patients feel better when they deal with the consequences of the disorder on their lives. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) enhances patients' belief in their own abilities and helps them develop methods for dealing with stressful situations. CBT is known to be an effective method for dealing with chronic pain from arthritic conditions. Evidence also suggests that CBT can help some patients with fibromyalgia.

Although the effects of CBT and other non-medication treatments for fibromyalgia do not always last over the long-term, they may help certain groups of people, particularly those with a high level of psychological stress.

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CBT may be particularly useful for addressing insomnia, one of the hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia. In studies, patients who received CBT for insomnia woke up 50% less often at night, had fewer symptoms of insomnia, and had an improved mood.

The Goals of CBT. The primary goals of CBT are to change any unclear or mistaken ideas and self-defeating behaviors. Using specific tasks and self-observation, patients learn to think of pain as something other than a negative factor that controls their life. Over time, the idea that they are helpless goes away and they learn that they can manage the pain.

Cognitive therapy is particularly helpful for defining and setting limits, which is extremely important. Many fibromyalgia patients live their lives in extremes. They first become heroes or martyrs, pushing themselves too far until they collapse. This collapse reverses the way they view themselves, and they then think of themselves as complete failures, unable to cope with the simplest task. One important aim of cognitive therapy is to help such patients discover a middle route. Patients learn to prioritize their responsibilities and drop some of the less important tasks or delegate them to others. Learning these coping skills can eventually lead to a more manageable life. Patients also learn to view themselves and others with a more flexible attitude.