ab2005

Efficacy of an emg-biofeedback therapy in fibromyalgia patients. A comparative study of patients with and without abnormality in (MMPI) psychological scales

A.R. Drexler¹, E.J. Mur², V.C. Günther³

¹Institute of Communication in the Professional Field and Psychotherapy, ²Department of Internal Medicine, 3Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria.

ABSTRACT
Objective
The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of EMG-biofeedback in female fibromyalgia patients with and without abnormality in the MMPI.

Methods
According to their MMPI profile out of a total of 24 patients, 12 patients were classified as 'psychologically abnormal' (at least one scale with a T-score higher than 70) and 12 as 'normal'.
In a quasi-experimental setting, all patients underwent EMG-biofeedback therapy (12 sessions, twice weekly), after a waiting period of six weeks. Clinical symptoms (pressure point sensitivity, secondary symptoms), subjective pain dimensions as well as quality of life were assessed before and after the waiting period, immediately after the biofeedback training and at a three month follow up.

Results
Within the 'psychologically abnormal' patients primarily depressive, hypochondriacal and hysterical symptoms were found. Statistical evaluation showed that 'psychologically normal' patients experience long-term relief from pain measured in terms of pressure point sensitivity; vitality and mental health. 'Psychologically abnormal' patients, on the other hand, showed improvements in all the measured parameters (clinical symptoms, sensory and affective pain components, quality of life) after EMG-biofeedback. Long-term improvement, however, was observed only in pressure point sensitivity and the sensory pain dimension.

Conclusion
The results suggest, that assessment of FM-patients should not only consist of commonly used ACR diagnostic criteria but should also include psychodiagnostic criteria, as these may co-determine treatment outcome. One approach to treating FM patients with additional psychological abnormality might be combining EMG-biofeedback that enhances self-efficacy with psychotherapy that helps patients to become aware of their basic psychological problems.

Key words
EMG biofeedback, fibromyalgia, MMPI abnormality.

Please address correspondence to: Verena Günther, PhD, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
E-mail: verena.guenther@uklibk.ac.at