Psychosocial Treatments for Chronic Pain
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on psychological therapies for chronic pain, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial coordinators.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain?
Research shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people with chronic pain by improving their ability to manage pain, reducing depression, and lowering pain-related anxiety. Studies indicate that ACT is an effective and satisfactory treatment option for chronic pain, with participants reporting high levels of satisfaction.12345
Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) safe for treating chronic pain?
How is the treatment Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain different from other treatments?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is unique because it focuses on helping patients accept their pain and commit to living a meaningful life despite it, using mindfulness and psychological flexibility, rather than trying to eliminate the pain itself. This approach contrasts with traditional therapies that often aim to reduce or manage pain directly.1011121314
What is the purpose of this trial?
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CP) is a major public health concern. Psychosocial treatments have been shown to be efficacious when compared to largely inert control conditions, but they are characterized by modest effects on primary outcomes. One strategy to boost efficacy is to increase our understanding of treatment mediators. Studies of mediators that directly compare different treatments with each other are needed to determine which mediators are treatment-specific, which are shared across treatments, and which contribute the most to clinical outcomes. Another strategy is to identify the patient characteristics that moderate treatment responses. Research is needed that is guided by theoretical models and that tests moderators across multiple treatments. Identifying subgroups of patients more likely to respond to one or another treatment can advance precision medicine by informing a priori patient-treatment matches that can optimize treatment effects. To accomplish these goals, the authors will conduct a randomized clinical trial to compare the mediators and moderators of the clinical effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) on adults with chronic spinal (axial) pain. Following baseline assessment of outcome variables as well as potential mediators and moderators, 460 participants will be randomized to CBT, ACT, EAET, or treatment-as-usual control (TAU). The three treatments will be conducted as individual therapy provided weekly for 8 weeks via telehealth. The researchers will conduct weekly assessments of both potential mediators and outcomes, as well as post-treatment and 6-month follow-up assessments. The goal of the study is to identify the most powerful treatment mechanisms - specific and shared -- and reveal for whom the mediator-outcome pathways are strongest.This project can increase the effects of our psychosocial chronic pain treatments by identifying the most effective treatment mechanisms and by informing patient-treatment matches that can optimize treatment effects.
Research Team
John Burns, PhD
Principal Investigator
Rush University Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults in the US with chronic back or neck pain that's been present most days for at least 6 months, and who are fluent in English. Participants must have internet access, a computer/tablet, and be willing to attend weekly telehealth therapy sessions. People with certain medical conditions or recent major life stressors cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive individual therapy (CBT, ACT, or EAET) weekly for 8 weeks via telehealth
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rush University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Wayne State University
Collaborator