Pain Medicine Commentary

Internet-delivered family cognitive–behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with chronic pain

Tonya M. Palermo, PhD

Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon


Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is a valuable psychotherapeutic modality for chronic pain that commonly includes relaxation training, activity pacing, problem solving, and distraction techniques. Studies have shown that family CBT, which incorporates parents into treatment, can significantly reduce disability and pain in children compared with those receiving standard care. Incorporation of CBT into Internet-based programs is expected to improve access to and compliance with treatment, particularly for children. Palermo et al. have evaluated the effects of an Internet family CBT intervention in children with chronic pain by examining multiple outcome domains, including pain intensity, physical functioning, emotional well-being, and parental protective responses.

References

  1. Palermo TM, Wilson AC, Peters M, Lewandowski A, Somhegyi H. Randomized controlled trial of an Internet-delivered family cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention for children and adolescents with chronic pain. Pain. 2009 Aug 18. 
  2. Eccleston C, Palermo TM, Williams AC, Lewandowski A, Morley S. Psychological therapies for the management of chronic and recurrent pain in children and adolescents.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(2):CD003968.
  3. Sanders MR, Shepherd RW, Cleghorn G, Woolford H. The treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children: a controlled comparison of cognitive– behavioral family intervention and standard pediatric care. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1994;62:306–14.


     

 

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