Exposure-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy vs Traditional Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Fibromyalgia

The primary treatment component is exposure to stimuli (situations and activities) that give rise to pain, distress, and unwanted emotional responses. The treatment proceeds in accordance with functional analysis. Exercises are tailored for the patient so that, for example, individuals whose main coping strategy is to be overly active (i.e., persistence behavior) are encouraged to sit down and observe pain and other aversive bodily sensations as they arise. The protocol also includes regular exercises where the participant is encouraged to observe and name physical sensations without acting on them.

This treatment is based on components typical of T-CBT for FM, such as relaxation, activity planning or pacing, cognitive restructuring techniques and stress management strategies.