RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07282392

Helping Lupus Patients Manage Fibromyalgia Symptoms Through Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)

Evaluating the Feasibility and Efficacy of Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) on Fibromyalgia Outcomes in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Sponsor

University of Utah

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Dec 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Fibromyalgia (FM)Lupus Chronic Widespread Pain

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a psychotherapy intervention works to relieve widespread pain in patients with lupus. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is the psychotherapy treatment safe for lupus patients? Are lupus patients able to complete the treatment? Can the treatment help improve chronic pain and other symptoms in lupus patients? Researchers will compare the treatment to a control (participants who will continue their medical treatment but will not receive psychotherapy for the time frame of the treatment) to see if the psychotherapy treatment works to relieve widespread pain and other lupus-related symptoms. Participants will: Fill out questionnaires before and after the treatment. Participate in 8 weekly treatment sessions, 2 hours per session, delivered via Zoom from their own home. Keep a list of medications and monitor any changes in their medication regimen.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Adults of all genders, ages 18-65.
A diagnosis of lupus and fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain by a licensed rheumatologist
Be on a stable medication regimen.

Exclusion Criteria11

Serious psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) uncontrolled with medications.
Active suicidal ideation.
Untreated alcohol or substance use disorder.
Substantial cognitive impairment.
Changes in medications in the past 3 months.
Enrollment in another treatment study.
Current involvement in health-related litigation or disability application.
Inability to use a computer and/or smartphone.
limited access to the internet.
Inability to communicate in English.
Failure to complete the baseline assessments.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALEmotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)

EAET is a novel psychotherapy based on the well-supported finding that adverse, stressful, or traumatic life experiences result in maladaptive emotional experiences that can trigger or amplify pain and other symptoms. EAET showed promising results in fibromyalgia and migraines, as well as musculoskeletal pain, and was found to be more efficacious than CBT, the recommended treatment for chronic pain.