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Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management Through Reconsolidation Therapy on Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management Through Reconsolidation Therapy on Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Ghina Harika Germaneau, Delphine Rannou, Elodie Charrier, Yassir El Fairouqi, Alain Brunet, Damien Doolub, Nicolas Langbour, Isabelle Raviart, Issa Wassouf and Nemat Jaafari
Biomedicines, Vol.14(1), pp.1-12
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010190
PMID: 41595724
Appears in  Thompson Institute Research Collection
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Abstract

Traumatic Stress Reconsolidation Clinical trials propranolol PTSD fibromyalgia reconsolidation therapy stress-related neurobiology quality of life depression Thompson Institute Special Collection Other Collaborations Stress related disorders trauma
Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may co-occur and are associated with increased symptom burden, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Accumulating evidence suggests shared neurobiological mechanisms. Trauma-focused interventions targeting maladaptive memory processes may therefore represent a relevant therapeutic approach in this population. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary clinical associations of a brief reconsolidation-based therapy in women with comorbid FMS and PTSD. Methods: This multicenter pilot study included adult women diagnosed with FMS and PTSD who underwent six sessions of reconsolidation therapy combining traumatic memory reactivation with propranolol administration. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the SF-36. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests and linear mixed-effects models. Results: Fourteen participants completed the intervention and follow-up assessments. The intervention was feasible and well tolerated. Changes over time were observed in fibromyalgia-related quality of life (FIQ scores), PTSD symptom severity (IES-R), and depressive symptoms (MADRS, BDI), as well as in selected SF-36 domains, including vitality, social functioning, and mental health. A progressive decrease in IES-R scores was observed across treatment sessions. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that reconsolidation-based therapy is feasible in women with comorbid FMS and PTSD and was associated with changes in PTSD symptoms and fibromyalgia-related functional impact. Given the exploratory design and absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and warrant confirmation in larger, controlled trials.

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