Guided internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain patients: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Chronic pain affects millions, leading to significant disability and reduced quality of life.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shows promise in managing chronic pain by targeting ineffective coping strategies.
• Internet-delivered interventions offer accessible options for chronic pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a guided, internet-delivered ACT intervention for individuals with chronic pain.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on pain acceptance, activity engagement, and psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 76 patients with chronic pain.
• Participants were assigned to a 7-week guided internet-delivered ACT program or a control group using an online discussion forum.
• Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted using validated outcome measures, including the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The ACT group demonstrated significant improvements in activity engagement and pain willingness compared to the control group.
• The primary outcome, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire scores, favored the treatment group.
• Reductions in pain-related distress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were observed, with sustained benefits at six-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• A guided, internet-delivered ACT intervention is an effective treatment for individuals experiencing chronic pain.
• This digital approach facilitates improved pain acceptance and psychological well-being.
• Internet-delivered ACT offers a scalable and accessible solution for chronic pain management.