[Are members of fibromyalgia syndrome self-help groups "different"? Demographic and clinical characteristics of members and non-members of fibromyalgia syndrome self-help groups]. / Sind Mitglieder von Fibromyalgiesyndrom-Selbsthilfegruppen "anders"? Demografische und klinische Charakteristika von Mitgliedern und Nicht-Mitgliedern von Fibromyalgiesyndrom-Selbsthilfegruppen.

BACKGROUND: No data were available on demographic and clinical characteristics of members of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) self-help groups in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out from November 2010 to April 2011. A set of questionnaires was distributed by the German League Against Rheumatism and the German Fibromyalgia Association to members and to all consecutive FMS patients at nine clinical centres of different levels of care. The set included a self-developed questionnaire on demographic and medical data and on previously and currently used therapies, the patient health questionnaire (PHQ 4) and the fibromyalgia survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Members of FMS self-help groups (N = 1,014) were older and reported a longer duration of chronic widespread pain, less anxiety and depression and a more frequent current use of aerobic exercise, relaxation training and complementary alternative medication than participants not affiliated with FMS self-help groups (N = 630). CONCLUSIONS: Membership in FMS self-help groups was associated with less psychological distress and a more frequent use of active self-management strategies.

[Psychotherapy in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome]. / Psychotherapie bei Patienten mit Fibromyalgiesyndrom.

BACKGROUND: A guideline for the treatment and diagnostic procedures in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was developed in cooperation with 10 German medical and psychological associations and 2 patient self-help groups. METHODS: A systematic literature search including all controlled studies of evaluated multicomponent therapy was performed in the Cochrane Collaboration Reviews (1993-12/2006), Medline (1980-12/2006), PsychInfo (1966-12/2006) and Scopus (1980-12/ 2006). Levels of evidence were assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Grading of the strengths of recommendations was done according to the German program for disease management guidelines. Standardized procedures to reach a consensus on recommendations were used. RESULTS: Cognitive and operant behavioral therapy is strongly recommended (grade A). Guided imagery/hypnotherapy and written emotional disclosure are recommended (grade B). CONCLUSIONS: Psychotherapeutic programs tailored to FMS subgroups should be developed and tested.