Nurses' Perceptions of Patient Fibromyalgia Illness Experiences after Performing Group-Based Problem-Solving Therapy: A Qualitative Research Study.

Fibromyalgia patients experience difficulties in their daily lives that are difficult to identify and recognize due to the stigma associated with the disease. Nurses can help identify them to establish biopsychosocial coping and treatment. The main aim of this study was to explore Spanish nurses' perceptions of the illness experiences of their fibromyalgia patients. Qualitative content analysis from the etic perspective was used. Eight nurses met in focus groups to report their perceptions of the illness experiences of FM patients after led group-based problem-solving therapy in fibromyalgia patients. Four themes emerged: (1) the presence of a "specific trigger" (stressful event) for FM symptoms; (2) fulfilling expected gender roles; (3) a lack of support from the family; (4) abuse. Nurses recognize the mind-body connection after the impact of stress on patients' bodies. The expected gender roles interfere with patients' recovery because they feel frustration and guilt about not being able to fulfil them. Managing emotions and improving communication in fibromyalgia is recommended. Clinicians might also consider issues such as abuse and the absence of social-family support for the comprehensive evaluation and effective management of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Pain and Fatigue Symptoms in Spanish and U.S. Men.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic centralized pain disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. Of those affected by FMS, the majority are women, and minimal research exists involving men. The purpose of this paper is to describe the pain and fatigue experiences of men with FMS from two Western countries, Spain and the United States, in order to support more accurate and earlier recognition and diagnosis in men. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used individual and focus group interviews with qualitative and quantitative assessments. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: Ten men in Spain and seven men in the United States provided information about their symptoms, psychosocial and health-seeking behaviors, and gender experiences with FMS. RESULTS: Men articulated types, trends, and triggers of pain and fatigue that enrich an understanding of their symptoms. For example, men report more localized pain than generalized pain. Employment status and activities, among other contextual factors, impacted men's pain and fatigue experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Men experience distinct facets of pain and fatigue compared with women, with notable similarities and differences across the Spanish and U.S. SAMPLES: Cross-cultural comparisons highlight contextual factors that may inspire future inquiries about determinants of men's experiences with FMS. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The present study could be useful for anyone treating men suffering from FMS, especially care providers in nursing, medical, and psychology fields. These initial findings may prompt a closer examination of recommendations for assessment and diagnostic criteria used internationally for patients with FMS with better recognition of men's experience.

Problems and solutions for patients with fibromyalgia: Building new helping relationships.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the main biological, psychological and sociological problems and potential solutions for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia by use of Group Problem-Solving Therapy. BACKGROUND: Group Problem-Solving Therapy is a technique for identifying and solving problems, increasing assertiveness, self-esteem and eliminating negative thoughts. DESIGN: Qualitative phenomenological interpretive design: Group Problem-Solving Therapy sessions conducted with patients suffering fibromyalgia were studied; participants recruited via the Rheumatology Department at a general hospital and associations in Catalonia, Spain with sessions conducted in nearby university setting. METHODS: The study included 44 people diagnosed with fibromyalgia (43 female, 1 male) from 6 Group Problem-Solving Therapy sessions. Data collected from March-June 2013. A total of 24 sessions were audio recorded, all with prior informed consent. Data were transcribed and then analysed in accordance with established methods of inductive thematic analysis, via a process of reduction to manage and classify data. FINDINGS: Five themes were identified: (1) Current problems are often related to historical trauma; (2) There are no "one size fits all" solutions; (3) Fibromyalgia is life-changing; (4) Fibromyalgia is widely misunderstood; (5) Statistically Significant impacts on physical, psychological and social are described. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients' problems were associated with their previous history and the onset of fibromyalgia; which may be related to trauma in adolescence, early adulthood or later. The solutions provided during the groups appeared to be accepted by the participants. These findings can improve the self-management of fibromyalgia patients by helping to enhance adaptive behaviours and incorporating the female gender approach.

Effectiveness of Three Types of Interventions in Patients with Fibromyalgia in a Region of Southern Catalonia.

Several pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments can be used to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia, although none of them are completely effective at present. In this study, we analyzed the effectiveness of different therapies in three groups of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The sample for this randomized controlled trial was made up of 66 people diagnosed with fibromyalgia in southern Catalonia. In turn, this sample was divided into three groups of 22 participants each, who were treated with: i) cervical infiltration with botulinum toxin, ii) group problem-solving therapy, or iii) both therapies. The variables recorded were quality of life, suicidal thoughts, perception of pain, quality of sleep, and satisfaction. Female patients composed 96.9% (n = 64) of the study sample. Satisfaction with the infiltration was 5.1 ± 2.7 points, while in group problem-solving therapy it was 6.6 ± 3.2. Self-perceived health in the infiltration group (p = .016) and the therapy group (p = .001) improved after the intervention took place. The risk of suicide decreased in the both treatments/groups (p = .049). Pain was reduced by 31.8% with infiltration, 13.6% with therapy, and 22.7% with both treatments. Anxiety/depression decreased by 45% with therapy, 36.3% with infiltration, and 36.3% with both treatments. The results also showed that the use of both treatments significantly reduces suicidal thoughts (p = .049). In conclusion, this study showed the complexity of reducing chronic pain and increasing the quality of life of people with fibromyalgia.