Age moderates response to acceptance and commitment therapy vs. cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Chronic pain affects millions globally, necessitating effective, accessible treatments.
• Psychotherapy is a key non-pharmacological approach for managing chronic pain.
• Understanding age-related differences in treatment response is crucial for personalized care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how age influences responses to two leading psychotherapies for chronic pain: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• To compare the efficacy and patient experience of ACT and CBT across different adult age groups.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of 114 adults (18-89 years) with chronic nonmalignant pain.
• Random assignment to 8-week group-administered ACT or CBT.
• Treatment response defined by a ≥3-point reduction on the Brief Pain Inventory-interference subscale.

Main Results:

• Older adults (≥46 years) showed higher response rates to ACT compared to CBT, both immediately post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up.
• Younger adults (18-45 years) demonstrated greater response to CBT than ACT.
• No significant differences were observed in treatment credibility, expectations, satisfaction, or attrition, though younger adults attended fewer sessions.

Conclusions:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) appears particularly effective and acceptable for older adults with chronic pain.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be more beneficial for younger adults experiencing chronic pain.
• These findings support tailoring psychotherapy choices based on patient age for improved chronic pain management outcomes.