A mixed design method research on the implication of reconnect integrative trauma treatment model (RITMM) with women who are diagnosed with fibromiyalgia

RITTM is a trauma therapy model, which is developed by Dr. Karol Darsa. RITTM model consists of; Gestalt Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and Sensorymotor Psychotherapy.Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), is considered as a psychosomatic disorder. It has been shown by scientific studies that FMS is linked with depression, anxiety and PTSD. The research evaluates the experiences of FMS participants who received RITTM support with the mixed design method. In this study, 10 sessions of RITTM therapeutic intervention were conducted with 4 women particiant who applied to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Marmara University Training and Research Hospital and were diagnosed with FMS. The changes in depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder levels of the participants before and after the intervention; Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PLC-C) scales were used. The data obtained from the scales were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews after the intervention were analyzed with thematic and phenomenological analysis methods. RITTM was applied to the prticipants in 60 minute consecuitve sessions, once a week, over a period of 10 weeks. As a result of the analysis; The mainn themes of "From Segregation to Integration, Being Able to Say No and Reducing the Severity of Bodily Pain: Now'" and sub-themesbelonging to these themes were reached. As a result of the anlysis; It was ssen that as the participant got to discover their emotions, they were able to manage their pain, their awareness of their pain experiences increased, and they began to experience the positive aspectes of being in touch with their bodies. The data collected through the Vas scale applied before, during and after the intervention quantitatively showed that the pain experienced by the participant decreased. This decrease was also observed in participant statements in qualitative findings. Qualitative findings obtained from the scales administered before and after the intervention show that the levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression decreased with the RITMM intervention, but this decrease was not statistically significant. As a result of qualitative and quantitative analyzes, findings were obtained that that the traumtic experiences of FMS patients may be associated with body pain. Considering the findings, it is recommended to integrate the RITTM model, which is integral to the FMS treatment process and centered on the body.