The effectiveness of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy on pain-related anxiety, acceptance of pain and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is one of the most current multi-dimensional problems which its management requires medical and psychological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy on pain-related anxiety, acceptance of pain and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial study, 30 patients met entry criteria were selected from medical centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, using purposive sampling. They were divided randomly into two groups. Research instruments were Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), Short Form of Pain-Related Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS-20), Pain Intensity Scale (PIS) and a demographic questionnaire. Experimental group were treated with acceptance and commitment therapy during the 8 sessions of 1.5 hours. Follow-up period was two months after the last treatment session. Findings: Acceptance and commitment therapy showed a reduction in pain related anxiety and pain intensity and increase in acceptance of the pain (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings indicates the effectiveness of this new behavioral therapy which is probably more appropriate for Iranian patients because of integrating behavioral therapy methods with eastern treatment techniques. © 2014, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.