Abstract: Treatment for individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is complex and is not always
accessible to those who could benefit. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation
of a mobile-app-delivered, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT)-based intervention in helping adults
self-manage fibromyalgia symptoms. A total of 100 adults with FMS (M [SD] age = 49.81, [9.99]
years; 94% women) were given access to the digital treatment program and downloaded the app.
Pain severity, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, fatigue, and sleep quality were assessed
at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Fifty-three of the potential participants
completed the 47-day treatment. Data showed significant improvements in pain severity (p = 0.007,
d = 0.43), anxiety (p = 0.011, d = 0.40) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.001, d = 0.50) from pre-treatment
to post-treatment. The effect sizes associated with app use are consistent with improvements seen
in previously published clinical trials of CBT for FMS. Improvements were generally maintained,
although there was some decrease in the outcomes from post-treatment to the 3-month followup.
Most participants reported that they were very satisfied with the app. The use of the app
was associated with similar levels of improvements found with in-person CBT treatment for FMS.
Research to evaluate the effectiveness of the app in a controlled trial is warranted.
