Psychoeducational Approach to Pain-Related Secondary Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Patients

Abstract

Fibromyalgia patients, while undergoing prolonged treatment of pain, often develop secondary symptoms such as emotional instability. This can trigger a vicious cycle by causing confusion, even provoking a temporary alteration of personality, which in turn could make their primary symptom, the pain, even worse. This study proposes a number of concrete improvements to the Psychoeducational Approach. We conducted an analysis of the information on patients and their families obtained through questionnaires, which enabled us to identify certain factors that could potentially cause pain-related secondary symptoms. For a clinical psychology program centered on psychoeducational support to work, it is crucial to understand the complex interplay of the patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior in each patient, and to create an environment that would deter the occurrence of pain-related secondary symptoms. We are strongly convinced that a psychoeducational approach with a broader understanding of the patient’s everyday life would be effective in the prevention of pain and in increasing self-management skills.