| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 901889 | Behaviour Research and Therapy | 2013 | 9 Pages |
•Internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain is investigated.•Chronic pain patients are randomized to a treatment or to a control group.•Internet-delivered ACT shows some promise as a treatment option for chronic pain.•The findings are important as it add to the literature on ACT and chronic pain.•Results add to the field examining cost-effective interventions for chronic pain.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) interventions for persons with chronic pain have recently received empirical support. ACT focuses on reducing the disabling influences of pain through targeting ineffective control strategies and teaches people to stay in contact with unpleasant emotions, sensations, and thoughts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a guided internet-delivered ACT intervention for persons with chronic pain. A total of 76 patients with chronic pain were included in the study and randomized to either treatment for 7 weeks or to a control group that participated in a moderated online discussion forum. Intent-to-treat analyses showed significant increases regarding activity engagement and pain willingness. Measurements were provided with the primary outcome variable Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire which was in favour of the treatment group. Reductions were found on other measures of pain-related distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. A six month follow-up showed maintenance of improvements. We conclude that an acceptance based internet-delivered treatment can be effective for persons with chronic pain.
