Explorations in fibromyalgia
From a novel integrative model to a randomized clinical trial
Fibromyalgia is a chronic polysymptomatic condition that significantly restrains the individual’s functioning. The lack of crosstalk between psychological and neurophysiological lines of research has hindered a better understanding/management of fibromyalgia. In an effort to overcome this, we have developed an integrative model, according to which fibromyalgia is rooted in an imbalance between three affect regulation systems: threat, soothing, and drive. As yet, evidence supporting the model is circumstantial in part due to the lack of tools capable of assessing differential activation of these systems.
Thus, we aim to develop a new instrument to assess these systems and use it to characterize and contrast fibromyalgia patients with clinical and nonclinical samples. The results will inform the development and evaluation of an integrated psychotherapeutic program, combining complimentary contextual cognitive-behavioural therapies, aimed at rebalancing the affect regulation systems. If proven effective, it will constitute a valuable new resource in fibromyalgia treatment.
