Effectiveness of guided imagery relaxation on levels of pain and depression in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of guided imagery as a nursing intervention for pain management and depression in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND

Many studies support the use of guided imagery to improve patient outcomes. Guided imagery has been used for different purposes and it is thought to be an effective intervention for people suffering from nonmalignant pain.

DESIGN

A 2-group quasi-experimental study was conducted during 8 weeks by the University of Nursing in Almeria (Spain).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia aged 18 to 70 years (n = 60) were randomly assigned to a guided imagery group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The outcomes measures were scores for pain with the McGill Pain Questionnaire long form (MPQ-LF) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and depression with the Beck Depression Inventory and the VAS for depression. The effects were examined at baseline, postintervention (4th week), and at the end of the study (8th week).

RESULTS

Treatment efficacy was analyzed by using a t test for paired samples. Temporal changes in the scores were examined by using a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. The treatment group reported statistically significantly lower levels of pain (P < .046) and depression (P < .010) than the control group at the week 4 evaluation. A statistically significant effect on pain as measured by the daily VAS diary was also found in the experimental group. At week 8, no significant differences were found for pain.

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia may benefit from this nursing intervention in terms of relieving pain and depression. Guided imagery relaxation therapy could be incorporated as part of fibromyalgia treatment to promote health among people with fibromyalgia.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Guided imagery as a nursing intervention can alleviate pain and depression in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.