1. Modifying the Trier Social Stress Test in Individuals with Fibromyalgia
Julie Kircher1, Amanda J Pucelli1, Luz Islas1, Arely Briseno1,
Barbara J Cherry Ph.D. 1, Jennifer R Piazza Ph.D.,2
California State University, Fullerton, Department of Psychology1
Department of Health Sciences2
WHAT WE LEARNED
A modified Trier Social Stress Test can be used as a safe
and effective acute stressor among people with fibromyalgia.
BACKGROUND
MEASURES
RESULTS
The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is an acute validated stressor that can induce changes in physiology, cognition, and emotion.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome, characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.
The TSST can provide insight into how people with FM respond psychophysiologically to an acute stressor; however, research indicates that the unmodified version of the TSST increases pain symptomatology among people with FM.
Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria (FMDC)
Blood pressure (BP; 6 measurements)
Cortisol levels (4 measurements)
Table 1. Means and Standard Deviations of Blood Pressure and Cortisol Levels
PROCEDURES
Modified TSST:
Preparation period (10 min)
Speech task (5 min)
Arithmetic task (5 min)
One week later:
Assessed possible long term increases in pain after TSST with a follow-up phone call using the FMDC
There were no significant differences pre- and post-task on the FMDC,
F(1,8) = 3.20, p > .05
STUDY PURPOSE
DEMOGRAPHICS
CONCLUSIONS
Participants:
N = 9
Female: 9
Mean Age: 60.0 (SD = 9.41)
To create an effective, yet less aversive version of the TSST to prevent any possibility of undue harm, specifically pain among people with FM.
Results indicate that the modified TSST is effective and may be more amenable to use in a population reporting chronic pain.
METHOD
ANALYSES
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Modifications to TSST:
Removed disparaging comments
Eliminated video and audio recording
Evaluated mean differences in BP and cortisol to assess the effectiveness of the modified TSST
Using the modified TSST in a larger FM sample to better understand the relationship between stress and FM symptoms.