Pharmakon or the healing art: experience of artistic-transformative transdisciplinary workshops in fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

Objective Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome often related to trauma and stress. A multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is recommended. Transformative experiences (TE) allow for a profound and immediate change that helps breaking the maladaptive emotional/behavioural loop elicited by chronic stress and trauma. In this study, TE was specifically elicited through transformative art (TA) in different ways. The aim of this study is the validation of the efficacy (in terms of quality of life and sleep, self-esteem, self-efficacy) of transdisciplinary artistic-transformative pathways in patients with FM. Methods 8-month observational study evaluated the effectiveness of three TA online workshops in FM patients: in group 1 participants reviewed their autobiography and illness in a humorous sense; in group 2 participants were guided to express their realities of illness in poetry; group 3 was based on the guided narration of works of art according to visual thinking strategies integrated with the principles of narrative medicine. Tests were administered at baseline and post-workshop. Results 109 FM patients completed the study. No differences were found among the three groups at baseline in terms of clinimetric variables. Overall, the three groups showed a statistically significant improvement of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Response to Stressful Experiences Scale (RSES), WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and Global Health scale (GH). No significant difference was found for The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. In Group 1, patients ameliorated in almost all parameters. Sleep and the 3rd dimension of SAP improved in patients of Group 2, whilst self-esteem and WHO-5 did in Group 3. Conclusion Our research shows that art as TA leads to significant improvements of the psychophysical condition of FMS patients. TA can be seen as a crucial mediator for overcoming the trauma/stressors, likely by generating “pivotal mental states” that aid rapid, deep learning, mediating psychological transformation to overcome trauma and stress.