In a multicenter parallel randomized controlled trial, the personal construct therapy (an approach that emphasizes identity features and interpersonal meanings as the focus of management of depressive symptoms) was as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (a well-established treatment) in decreasing pain, depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as improving fibromyalgia-related quality of life.

Mari Aguilera et al. undertook this study to assess the effectiveness of personal construct therapy vs. cognitive behavioral therapy in 106 females with fibromyalgia and depressive symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to cognitive behavioral therapy (n = 55) or personal construct therapy (n=51) in individual and modular formats. Using linear mixed-effects models, assessment of done.

Both the groups exhibited substantially decreased depressive symptoms. At post-therapy and at follow-up, no profound inter-group difference was noted. In terms of anxiety, fibromyalgia's effect, and the distribution of considerable alterations in pain and depression, the findings were comparable. Thus, personal construct therapy is a viable substitute for depression alleviation in females diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome.