Mindfulness training for reducing anger, anxiety, and depression in fibromyalgia patients

• Published in: Frontiers in psychology Vol. 5; p. 1572
• Main Authors: Amutio, Alberto, Franco, Clemente, Pérez-Fuentes, María de Carmen, Gázquez, José J, Mercader, Isabel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 12-01-2015
• Subjects: Anger; Anxiety; Depression; Fibromyalgia; mindfulness; Psychology; anxiety; depression; fibromyalgia; anger; mindfulness
• ISSN: 1664-1078; 1664-1078
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01572

Fibromyalgia is a disabling syndrome. Results obtained with different therapies are very limited to date. The goal of this study was to verify whether the application of a mindfulness-based training program was effective in modifying anger, anxiety, and depression levels in a group of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This study is an experimental trial that employed a waiting list control group. Measures were taken at three different times: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The statistical analyses revealed a significant reduction of anger (trait) levels, internal expression of anger, state anxiety, and depression in the experimental group as compared to the control group, as well as a significant increase in internal control of anger. It can be concluded that the mindfulness-based treatment was effective after 7 weeks. These results were maintained 3 months after the end of the intervention.