A meta-analysis of fibromyalgia treatment interventions

Ann Behav Med. 1999 Spring;21(2):180-91. doi: 10.1007/BF02908299.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Methods: This meta-analysis of 49 fibromyalgia treatment outcome studies assessed the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment across four types of outcome measures-physical status, self-report of FMS symptoms, psychological status, and daily functioning.

Results: After controlling for study design, antidepressants resulted in improvements on physical status and self-report of FMS symptoms. All nonpharmacological treatments were associated with significant improvements in all four categories of outcome measures with the exception that physically-based treatment (primarily exercise) did not significantly improve daily functioning. When compared, nonpharmacological treatment appears to be more efficacious in improving self-report of FMS symptoms than pharmacological treatment alone. A similar trend was suggested for functional measures.

Conclusion: The optimal intervention for FMS would include nonpharmacological treatments, specifically exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy, in addition to appropriate medication management as needed for sleep and pain symptoms.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Exercise*
  • Fibromyalgia / drug therapy
  • Fibromyalgia / psychology
  • Fibromyalgia / therapy*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs