title: Guided internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain patients: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Monica.Buhrman@psyk.uu.se
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buhrman
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skoglund
authors.forename: Josefin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Husell
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bergström
authors.forename: Torsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gordh
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hursti
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bendelin
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Furmark
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
mesh_terms: D064869:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064866:Mindfulness; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome