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

• Main Authors: Alberto eAmutio Careaga, Clemente eFranco Justo, María Del Carmen ePérez Fuentes, José Jesús eGázquez, Isabel eMercader Rubio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015-01-01
• Series: Frontiers in Psychology
• Subjects: Anger; Anxiety; Depression; Fibromyalgia; mindfulness
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01572/full

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: pre-test, post-test, 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 seven weeks. These results were maintained three months after the end of the intervention.