Taguchi K, Numata N, Takanashi R, Takemura R, Yoshida T, Kutsuzawa K, Yoshimura K, Shimizu E. Integrated cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain: An open-labeled prospective single-arm trial.
Medicine (Baltimore) 2021;
100:e23859. [PMID:
33578513 PMCID:
PMC7886449 DOI:
10.1097/md.0000000000023859]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
We aimed to examine the feasibility of our newly-developed, integrated, and high-intensity individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol for treatment-resistant chronic pain.
METHODS
We conducted an open-labeled prospective single-arm trial for patients aged 18 years and above, suffering from chronic pain, and diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain. We provided 16 weekly sessions of CBT, each lasting for 50 minutes, which included 4 new strategies: attention shift, memory work, mental practice, and video feedback. For comparison, the study had a pre-test post-test design. The primary outcome was the change from baseline (week 1) to 16, as indicated by the Numerical Rating Scale and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. In addition, we evaluated depression, anxiety, disability, and quality of life as secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
Sixteen patients with chronic pain underwent our CBT program. Though there was no reduction in pain intensity, catastrophic cognition showed statistically significant improvement with a large effect size. Depression, anxiety, and disability demonstrated statistically significant improvements, with small to moderate effect sizes. No adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSION
Our newly integrated CBT program for chronic pain may improve catastrophic cognition, depression, anxiety, and disability. Large-scale randomized controlled studies are necessary to investigate the program's effectiveness in the future.
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