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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain in multiple sclerosis: a
Dawn M Ehde1, Kevin N Alschuler2,3, Melissa A Day4
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Box 359612, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA. ehde@uw.edu.
Trials
|December 29, 2019
Summary
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) show promise for managing chronic pain in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study compares MBCT, CBT, and usual care to identify effective pain management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Psychology
Background:
- Chronic pain is a significant and disabling symptom for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- There is a growing interest in non-pharmacologic approaches for managing MS-related pain.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are recognized as potentially effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT, CBT, and usual care for chronic pain in MS.
- To investigate potential moderators of treatment outcomes for MBCT and CBT.
- To evaluate the efficacy of technology-delivered interventions for improving MS pain.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, randomized, single-blind, parallel-group trial involving adults with MS and chronic pain.
- Interventions (MBCT, CBT) delivered via eight group videoconferencing sessions.
- Assessment of primary (pain intensity) and secondary outcomes (pain interference, depression, fatigue, sleep) at multiple time points, including 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Hypothesized significant reductions in average pain intensity for MBCT and CBT groups compared to usual care at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up.
- Hypothesized that pre-treatment mindfulness, pain catastrophizing, and behavioral activation would moderate response to active treatments.
- The study protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03782246).
Conclusions:
- Findings will offer crucial insights into the efficacy of MBCT and CBT for MS-related chronic pain.
- Identifying treatment moderators can facilitate better patient-treatment matching.
- Technology-delivered interventions may overcome access barriers, improving pain management outcomes in MS.
