Developing an intervention to alter catastrophizing in persons with fibromyalgia.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate a brief psychoeducational intervention to decrease pain catastrophizing, a focus on pain and its negative consequences in patients with fibromyalgia.


METHODS
A case-study design was used to design the targeted intervention. The intervention was piloted with 2 small groups of patients and family members.


METHODS
Thirty-nine patients with fibromyalgia completed the surveys; patients/family members (N = 9) and ten interdisciplinary staff members participated in separate focus groups or e-mail surveys to provide data to develop the intervention. Two additional groups of patients and family members (N = 7) participated in the pilot intervention sessions.


RESULTS
Catastrophic thinking and associated declines in function were confirmed by survey results and focus group themes. A 2-hour session using self-efficacy theory was developed from these findings and other data sources. The patients/family members in pilot groups reported an increased knowledge of pain catastrophizing and satisfaction with the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
A brief, psychoeducational offering that targets the reduction of catastrophizing is a feasible addition to the usual treatment protocol in a fibromyalgia treatment program and warrants further study.
Nelson
Pamela J
PJ
Mayo School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
Tucker
Sharon
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009341:Negativism; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires