Patient Experiences of Antidepressant Use in Fibromyalgia: An IPA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient Experiences of Antidepressant Use in Fibromyalgia: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
IRAS ID
365369
Contact name
Daniel Gaffiero
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Derby
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 23 days
Research summary
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder marked by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. Depression and anxiety are common, with depression affecting 20–60% of patients. Antidepressants—particularly SSRIs and SNRIs—are often used to manage both mood and pain symptoms, though evidence for their effectiveness is mixed.
Research suggests that SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, milnacipran) offer modest short-term benefits in pain and function, while SSRIs show weaker and inconsistent results. However, most studies are short-term, industry-funded, and narrowly focused on symptom reduction, limiting their generalisability. Long-term effectiveness remains uncertain, and discontinuation rates are high due to side effects and limited perceived benefit. Improvements in quality of life and functioning are often minimal, even when pain scores improve.
From a health psychology perspective, patient beliefs about their illness and treatment—described by the Common-Sense Model and the Necessity–Concerns Framework—help explain variations in antidepressant adherence and outcomes. Patients who view medication as necessary and manageable are more likely to adhere, while those with doubts or concerns about side effects are prone to discontinue or experience reduced benefit.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
25/WA/0356
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion