Randomized trial of cognitive behavior therapy versus supportive psychotherapy for HIV-related peripheral neuropathic pain.
The feasibility and acceptability of cognitive behavior therapy for HIV-related peripheral neuropathic pain was examined and the potential efficacy of the intervention was compared with that of supportive psychotherapy in reducing pain, pain-related interference with functioning, and distress. Sixty-one patients were randomly assigned to receive six weekly sessions of cognitive behavior therapy or supportive psychotherapy. Thirty-three subjects completed the protocol. Both groups showed significant reductions in pain. The cognitive behavior group improved in most domains of pain-related functional interference and distress; the supportive psychotherapy group showed fewer gains. The high dropout rate suggests that psychotherapeutic treatments for HIV-related pain may have limited feasibility and acceptability.
Evans
Susan
S
Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA. sue2002@med.cornell.edu
Fishman
Baruch
B
Spielman
Lisa
L
Haley
Anabel
A
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012944:Social Support; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome