Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Effect of Psychological Interventions on the Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review

  • Published:
Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fibromyalgia refers to a painful type of rheumatological clinical syndrome, and its prevalence varies from 0.7% to 6.6%. This syndrome is associated with different physical and psychological symptoms, which ultimately leads to a decline in women's quality of life. A wide range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are conducted to mitigate these symptoms and improve the quality of life. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of psychological interventions on the quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. This systematic review with comprehensive search was carried out on Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Scientific Information Database (SID), databases using the suitable keywords, and a total of 3125 articles from 2000 to 2019 were retrieved. Finally, the quality of 16 experimental and semi-experimental clinical trials was evaluated using the Jadad scale. The psychological interventions affecting the quality of life in women with fibromialgia included cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral therapy, coping strategies training, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment treatment, hypnosis, meditation, music therapy, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and writing emotions. The results of the study showed that except four studies, the studies generally improved the quality of life and reduced the symptoms in women with fibromyalgia. The results of the study suggest that most psychological interventions affect the quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Therefore, besides pharmacological therapy, psychological interventions can be used by health-care providers to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia and improve the quality of their life.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amutio, A., Franco, C., Sanchez-Sanchez, L. C., Perez-Fuentes, M. D., Linares, J. J. G., Van Gordon, W., & Jurado, M. D. M. (2018). Effects of mindfulness training on sleep problems in patients with fibromyalgia. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01365

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Arcos-Carmona, I. M., Castro-Sánchez, A. M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G. A., Gutiérrez-Rubio, A. B., Ramos-González, E., & Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Effects of aerobic exercise program and relaxation techniques on anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. Medicina Clínica (barcelona), 137(9), 398–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medcli.2010.09.045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernardy, K., Klose, P., Busch, A. J., Choy, E. H., & Häuser, W. (2013). Cognitive behavioural therapies for fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009796.pub2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernardy, K., Klose, P., Welsch, P., & Häuser, W. (2018). Efficacy, acceptability and safety of cognitive behavioural therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pain (united Kingdom), 22(2), 242–260. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1121

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bircan, C., Karasel, S. A., Akgun, B., El, O., & Alper, S. (2008). Effects of muscle strengthening versus aerobic exercise program in fibromyalgia. Rheumatology International, 28(6), 527–532. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-007-0484-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bridoux, V., Moutel, G., Roman, H., Kianifard, B., Michot, F., Herve, C., & Tuech, J.-J. (2012). Methodological and ethical quality of randomized controlled clinical trials in gastrointestinal surgery. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 16(9), 1758–1767.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Broderick, J. E., Junghaenel, D. U., & Schwartz, J. E. (2005). Written emotional expression produces health benefits in fibromyalgia patients. Psychosomatic Medicine, 67(2), 326–334. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000156933.04566.bd

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Jones, K. D., Bennett, R. M., Wright, C. L., & Mist, S. D. (2010). A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain, 151(2), 530–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.08.020

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cash, E., Salmon, P., Weissbecker, I., Rebholz, W. N., Bayley-Veloso, R., Zimmaro, L. A., Floyd, A., Dedert, E., & Sephton, S. E. (2014). Mindfulness meditation alleviates fibromyalgia symptoms in women: Results of a randomized clinical trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 49(3), 319–330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Oliveira, F. R., Visnardi Gonçalves, L. C., Borghi, F., da Silva, L. G. R. V., Gomes, A. E., Trevisan, G., de Souza, A. L., Grassi-Kassisse, D. M., & de Oliveira Crege, D. R. X. (2018). Massage therapy in cortisol circadian rhythm, pain intensity, perceived stress index and quality of life of fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 30, 85–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.12.006

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emami-Sahebi, A., Elyasi, F., Yazdani-Charati, J., & Shahhosseini, Z. (2018). Psychological interventions for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A systematic review. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 57(5), 644–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjog.2018.08.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jadad, A. R., Moore, R. A., Carroll, D., Jenkinson, C., Reynolds, D. J. M., Gavaghan, D. J., & McQuay, H. J. (1996). Assessing the quality of reports of randomized clinical trials: Is blinding necessary? Controlled Clinical Trials, 17(1), 1–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kozasa, E. H., Tanaka, L. H., Monson, C., Little, S., Leao, F. C., & Peres, M. P. (2012). The effects of meditation-based interventions on the treatment of fibromyalgia. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 16(5), 383–387. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0285-8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Liu, Z., Chen, R., Hu, D., Li, W., Li, X., Chen, X., Huang, B., & Liao, L. (2014). The quality of reports of randomized clinical trials on traditional Chinese medicine treatments: A systematic review of articles indexed in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database from 2005 to 2012. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14(1), 362. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-362

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Luciano, J. V., Guallar, J. A., Aguado, J., Lopez-Del-Hoyo, Y., Olivan, B., Magallon, R., Alda, M., Serrano-Blanco, A., Gill, M., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2014). Effectiveness of group acceptance and commitment therapy for fibromyalgia: A 6-month randomized controlled trial (EFFIGACT study). Pain, 155(4), 693–702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2013.12.029

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lumley, M. A., Schubiner, H., Lockhart, N. A., Kidwell, K. M., Harte, S. E., Clauw, D. J., & Williams, D. A. (2017). Emotional awareness and expression therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and education for fibromyalgia: A cluster-randomized controlled trial. Pain, 158(12), 2354–2363. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001036

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mannerkorpi, K., & Arndorw, M. (2004). Efficacy and feasibility of a combination of body awareness therapy and qigong in patients with fibromyalgia: A pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 36(6), 279–281.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mashhadi, H. B., Aghaei, M., Mohammadkhani, M., & Mahdavi, A. (2017). Examining the effect of teaching islamic-based coping strategies on indicators of chronic pain and quality of life among women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Research on Religion & Health, 3(4), 48–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mobini, M., Mohammadpour, R., Elyasi, F., Hosseinian, A., & Abbaspour, S. (2016). Validity and reliability of the persian version of revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire in iranian patients with fibromyalgia. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 25(133), 119–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moosavi, S., & Rohani, C. (2016). Critical appraisal of the randomized controlled trial studies reports in nursing journals. Iranian Journal of Nursing Research, 11(3), 37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nüesch, E., Häuser, W., Bernardy, K., Barth, J., & Jüni, P. (2013). Comparative efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in fibromyalgia syndrome: Network meta-analysis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 72(6), 955–962.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Onieva-Zafra, M. D., Parra-Fernández, M. L., & Fernandez-Martinez, E. (2019). Benefits of a home treatment program using guided imagery relaxation based on audio recordings for people with fibromyalgia. Holistic Nursing Practice, 33(2), 111–120. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000317

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parra-Delgado, M., & Latorre-Postigo, J. M. (2013). Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia: A randomised trial. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 37(5), 1015–1026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-013-9538-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Picard, P., Jusseaume, C., Boutet, M., Duale, C., Mulliez, A., & Aublet-Cuvellier, B. (2013). Hypnosis for management of fibromyalgia. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 61(1), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2013.729441

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Redondo, J. R., Justo, C. M., Moraleda, F. V., Velayos, Y. G., Puche, J. J., Zubero, J. R., Hernandez, T. G., Ortells, L. C., & Pareja, M. A. (2004). Long-term efficacy of therapy in patients with fibromyalgia: A physical exercise-based program and a cognitive-behavioral approach. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 51(2), 184–192. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.20252

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russell, I. J., Mease, P. J., Smith, T. R., Kajdasz, D. K., Wohlreich, M. M., Detke, M. J., Walker, D. J., Chappell, A. S., & Arnold, L. M. (2008). Efficacy and safety of duloxetine for treatment of fibromyalgia in patients with or without major depressive disorder: Results from a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose trial. Pain, 136(3), 432–444.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salehi, N., Taher-Neshatdoost, H., & Afshar, H. (2018). The impact of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment on psychological indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress) in women with fibromyalgia. J Res Behav Sci, 16(1), 78–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Samami, E., Elyasi, F., Mousavi Nasab, N., Shojaee, L., Zaboli, E., & Shahhosseini, Z. (2020). Coping strategies-oriented interventions in breast cancer women: A systematic scoping review of the quantitative evidence. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpbs.99884

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samami, E., Shahhosseini, Z., Hamzehgardeshi, Z., & Elyasi, F. (2021). Psychological interventions in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in women with breast cancer: A systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. https://doi.org/10.30476/ijms.2020.86657.1660

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheidt, C. E., Waller, E., Endorf, K., Schmidt, S., Konig, R., Zeeck, A., Joos, A., & Lacour, M. (2013). Is brief psychodynamic psychotherapy in primary fibromyalgia syndrome with concurrent depression an effective treatment? A randomized controlled trial. General Hospital Psychiatry, 35(2), 160–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.10.013

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, S., Grossman, P., Schwarzer, B., Jena, S., Naumann, J., & Walach, H. (2011). Treating fibromyalgia with mindfulness-based stress reduction: Results from a 3-armed randomized controlled trial. Pain, 152(2), 361–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.10.043

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thieme, K., Flor, H., & Turk, D. C. (2006). Psychological pain treatment in fibromyalgia syndrome: Efficacy of operant behavioural and cognitive behavioural treatments. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 8(4), R121. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thieme, K., Turk, D. C., & Flor, H. (2007). Responder criteria for operant and cognitive-behavioral treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 57(5), 830–836. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.22778

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tomas-Carus, P., Branco, J. C., Raimundo, A., Parraca, J. A., Batalha, N., & Biehl-Printes, C. (2018). Breathing exercises must be a real and effective intervention to consider in women with fibromyalgia: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(8), 825–832. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0335

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vallejo, M. A., Ortega, J., Rivera, J., Comeche, M. I., & Vallejo-Slocker, L. (2015). Internet versus face-to-face group cognitive-behavioral therapy for fibromyalgia: A randomized control trial. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 68, 106–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.06.006

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Dunn, T. J., Garcia-Campayo, J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Meditation awareness training for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. The British Journal of Health Psychology, 22(1), 186–206. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12224

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, C., Schmid, C. H., Fielding, R. A., Harvey, W. F., Reid, K. F., Price, L. L., Driban, J. B., Kailis, R., Rones, R., & McAlindon, T. (2018). Effect of tai chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia: Comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial. BMJ (Online). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k851

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, G., Mao, B., Xiong, Z.-Y., Fan, T., Chen, X.-D., Wang, L., Chang, J., Wu, T.-X., & Li, Q. (2007). The quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine: A survey of 13 randomly selected journals from mainland China. Clinical Therapeutics, 29(7), 1456–1467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.07.023 PubMed PMID: 17825697.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weber, A., Werneck, L., Paiva, E., & Gans, P. (2015). Effects of music in combination with vibration in acupuncture points on the treatment of fibromyalgia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(2), 77–82. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0199

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weissbecker, I., Salmon, P., Studts, J. L., Floyd, A. R., Dedert, E. A., & Sephton, S. E. (2002). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and sense of coherence among women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 9(4), 297–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wicksell, R., Kemani, M., Jensen, K., Kosek, E., Kadetoff, D., Sorjonen, K., Ingvar, M., & Olsson, G. L. (2013). Acceptance and commitment therapy for fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Pain, 17(4), 599–611.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This project was fully funded and sponsored by Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Grant Number: 5620 and Ethical Code: IR.MAZUMS.REC.1398.1084). The authors are grateful to the Student Research Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences for supporting this research project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Student of Midwifery Counseling, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

    Elahe Samami

  2. Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

    Zohreh Shahhosseini

  3. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

    Forouzan Elyasi

  4. Department of Psychiatry, School Of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

    Forouzan Elyasi

  5. Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Ward, Imam Khomeini General Hospital, Razi Ave., Sari, 48157-33971, Iran

    Forouzan Elyasi

Authors
  1. Elahe Samami
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zohreh Shahhosseini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Forouzan Elyasi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Forouzan Elyasi.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors Elahe Samami, Zohreh Shahhosseini, and Forouzan Elyasi declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Human and Animal Rights

No animal or human studies were carried out by the authors for this article.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Samami, E., Shahhosseini, Z. & Elyasi, F. The Effect of Psychological Interventions on the Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 28, 503–517 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-021-09794-0

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-021-09794-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation