A pilot study of a combined intervention for management of juvenile primary fibromyalgia symptoms in adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric unit

Background: Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and discrete tender points with no objective evidence of a muscle disease but with disordered central pain processing. Very little is known about the prevalence and treatment on inpatient psychiatric units. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an intervention for JPFS in adolescent females admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Methods: In total, 30 patients with JPFS were assigned to either the intervention (n=15) or control group (n=15). The intervention group attended a fibromyalgia seminar followed by an audio-guided total body relaxation exercise. The control group participated in a seminar on skin care. Both groups completed a visual analog scale for affective states and somatic sensations before and after the seminar. Results: Participants in the intervention group, but not the control group, demonstrated significant improvement in concentration, self-confidence, restfulness and comfort level (p<0.001 to p<0.05). They also reported a reduction in stress level, muscle tightness, stomach upset and feeling down (p<0.001 to p<0.05) immediately after the intervention. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a combined intervention can be used in the inpatient psychiatric setting to improve functioning and overall well-being of patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders and JPFS during acute hospitalization.