title: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Wholistic Hybrid Derived From Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Emotional Freedom Technique (WHEE) for Self-Treatment of Pain, Depression, and Anxiety in Chronic Pain Patients.
abstract: In this pilot study, a convenience sample of 24 chronic pain patients (17 with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia) were randomized into WHEE treatment and wait-list control groups for 6 weeks. Assessments of depression, anxiety, and pain were completed before, during, and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Wait-listed patients then received an identical course of WHEE and assessments. WHEE decreased anxiety ( P < .5) and depression ( P < .05) compared with the control group. The wait-list-turned-WHEE assessments demonstrated decreased pain severity ( P < .05) and depression ( P < .04) but not pain interference or anxiety. WHEE appears a promising method for pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic pain, compared to standard medical care alone. Though a small pilot study, the present results suggest that further research appears warranted. An incidental finding was that a majority of patients with chronic pain had suffered psychological trauma in childhood and/or adulthood.
authors.affiliation: 1 Energy Medicine University, Mill Valley, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Benor
authors.affiliation: 2 Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rossiter-Thornton
authors.affiliation: 3 Luther College, Decorah, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Loren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Toussaint
keywords: WHEE; anxiety; chronic fatigue syndrome; chronic pain; depression