Attention and Imagery in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain: An Exploratory Study.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to have a small to medium effect on chronic pain, necessitating further research to identify which components of CBT work for which type of patient. Previously, we developed a high-intensity individual CBT protocol and conducted a single-arm, uncontrolled feasibility study for chronic pain. In the current study, we explored patients' experiences in CBT sessions, including tactile attention-shift training; memory work using the peak-end rule; mental practice of action using motor imagery rescripting; and video feedback, including mirror therapy. Fourteen patients with chronic pain completed 16 CBT sessions. The tactile attention-shift training was very helpful for two patients and somewhat helpful for five, memory work was helpful for nine, mental practice was very helpful for four and somewhat helpful for three, and visual feedback was very helpful for six patients. Effective methodologies for new chronic pain CBT components should be developed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(5), 45-54.].

Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Videoconference-Based Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive behavioral therapy is known to improve the management of chronic pain. However, the components of this therapy are still being investigated and debated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an integrated cognitive behavioral therapy program with new components (attention-shift, memory work, video feedback, and image training) delivered via videoconferencing. METHODS: This study was unblinded and participants were recruited and assessed face-to-face in the outpatient department. We conducted a randomized controlled trial for chronic pain to compare 16 weekly videoconference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (vCBT) sessions provided by a therapist with treatment as usual (TAU). Thirty patients (age range, 22-75 years) with chronic pain were randomly assigned to either vCBT (n=15) or TAU (n=15). Patients were evaluated at week 1 (baseline), week 8 (midintervention), and week 16 (postintervention). The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity, which was recorded using the numerical rating scale at 16 weeks from the baseline. Secondary outcomes were pain severity and pain interference, which were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory. Additionally, we evaluated disability, pain catastrophizing cognition, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and cost utility. RESULTS: In the eligibility assessment, 30 patients were eventually randomized and enrolled; finally, 15 patients in the vCBT and 14 patients in the TAU group were analyzed. Although no significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of changes in pain intensity by the numerical rating scale scores at week 16 from baseline (P=.36), there was a significant improvement in the comprehensive evaluation of pain by total score of Brief Pain Inventory (-1.43, 95% CI -2.49 to -0.37, df=24; P=.01). Further, significant improvement was seen in pain interference by using the Brief Pain Inventory (-9.42, 95% CI -14.47 to -4.36, df=25; P=.001) and in disability by using the Pain Disability Assessment Scale (-1.95, 95% CI -3.33 to -0.56, df=24; P=.008) compared with TAU. As for the Medical Economic Evaluation, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for 1 year was estimated at 2.9 million yen (about US $25,000) per quality-adjusted life year gained. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study suggest that integrated cognitive behavioral therapy delivered by videoconferencing in regular medical care may reduce pain interference but not pain intensity. Further, this treatment method may be cost-effective, although this needs to be further verified using a larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000031124; https://tinyurl.com/2pr3xszb.

Long-term effects of integrated cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain: A qualitative and quantitative study.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to improve chronic pain management. However, past studies revealed only small to moderate benefits in short-term results, and long-term follow-up studies are lacking. This study aimed to follow an integrated CBT program's effectiveness 1.5 years after its completion. This observational study was the follow-up on the data collected from our CBT sessions conducted under 3 different studies in 2018 to 2019. Seven assessment items (Numerical Rating Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS], Pain Disability Assessment Scale [PDAS], Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, European quality of life 5-dimensions 5-level, and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]) were statistically analyzed. Thematic analysis was conducted in semi structured interviews. PCS ( F  = 6.52, P  = .003), PDAS ( F  = 5.68, P  = .01), European quality of life 5-dimensions 5-level ( F  = 3.82, P  = .03), and BDI ( F  = 4.61, P  = .01) exhibited significant changes ( P  < .05), confirmed by pairwise t test, revealing a moderate to large effect size. From post-treatment to follow-up, all scores showed no significant changes ( P  > .1). In the qualitative study, the analysis revealed 3 subthemes: "Autonomy," "Understanding of yourself and pain," and "Acceptance of pain." Our study suggests that integrated CBT may reduce the scores of PCS, PDAS and BDI, and this effect lasts for at least 1 year. Identified themes support the relevance of mitigative factors in managing chronic pain.

Integrated cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain: An open-labeled prospective single-arm trial.

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.

Cognitive-behavioral family therapy as psychoeducation for adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) program study protocol for a pragmatic multisite randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support. We developed a psychoeducational program using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) for Japanese adolescents with high-functioning ASD and their parents. METHODS: This multisite study is a randomized controlled trial. In total, 24 participants will be assigned to the ACAT group and 24 to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. The ACAT group will receive a weekly 100-min session for 6 weeks, regular medical care, and one follow-up session. In this ongoing clinical trial, we will compare the scores of the measures recorded in the pre- and post-intervention stages between the ACAT and TAU groups. A total of 41 patients out of a target of 48 have participated in the trial to date. The primary outcome measure is the Autism Knowledge Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures include Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation 3rd Edition, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales second edition, the Parenting Resilience Elements Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire 12, and the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children assessments, as well as an electroencephalographic recording. DISCUSSION: It is expected that participants in the ACAT group will significantly increase their self-understanding and awareness of ASD symptoms compared to those in the TAU group. Additionally, the ACAT group is expected to exhibit improved social adaptation and mental health if children and parents are able to better understand the ASD characteristics through sessions. This intervention will contribute to the establishment of an effective evidence-based treatment strategy for adolescents with ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Register 000029851 . Registered on January 06, 2018.