Deborah Barrett1,2, Carrie E Brintz3, Amanda M Zaski4, Mark J Edlund5. 1. University of North Carolina School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. 2. University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. 3. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 4. Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA. 5. RTI International, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a hybrid skills-based group intervention, dialectical pain management (DPM), for adults with chronic pain who are receiving long-term opioid therapy. DPM adapts dialectical behavior therapy, a rigorous psychotherapeutic approach to emotion dysregulation, to treat disorders of physiological dysregulation. METHODS: Individuals with chronic pain (N = 17) participated in one of two 8-week DPM intervention cohorts. At pre-test and post-test, participants completed quantitative self-report assessments measuring pain intensity and interference, depressive symptoms, pain acceptance, beliefs about pain medications, and global rating of change. Within 2 weeks after the intervention, participants completed qualitative interviews to assess participant satisfaction and obtain feedback about specific intervention components. RESULTS: Of the 17 enrolled, 15 participants completed the group with 12 (70%) attending six or more sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Preliminary findings suggested a significant increase in pain acceptance and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Participants also reported an improved relationship with their pain conditions and increased flexibility in responding to pain and applying coping skills. Several participants showed a reduction in opioid dosage over the course of the intervention. DISCUSSION: Findings support that DPM is a feasible and well-received intervention for individuals with chronic pain. Additional research with a control group is needed to further determine the intervention's efficacy and impact.
OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a hybrid skills-based group intervention, dialectical pain management (DPM), for adults with chronic pain who are receiving long-term opioid therapy. DPM adapts dialectical behavior therapy, a rigorous psychotherapeutic approach to emotion dysregulation, to treat disorders of physiological dysregulation. METHODS: Individuals with chronic pain (N = 17) participated in one of two 8-week DPM intervention cohorts. At pre-test and post-test, participants completed quantitative self-report assessments measuring pain intensity and interference, depressive symptoms, pain acceptance, beliefs about pain medications, and global rating of change. Within 2 weeks after the intervention, participants completed qualitative interviews to assess participant satisfaction and obtain feedback about specific intervention components. RESULTS: Of the 17 enrolled, 15 participants completed the group with 12 (70%) attending six or more sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Preliminary findings suggested a significant increase in pain acceptance and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Participants also reported an improved relationship with their pain conditions and increased flexibility in responding to pain and applying coping skills. Several participants showed a reduction in opioid dosage over the course of the intervention. DISCUSSION: Findings support that DPM is a feasible and well-received intervention for individuals with chronic pain. Additional research with a control group is needed to further determine the intervention's efficacy and impact.
Authors: Carolyn Ee; Kate Templeman; Suzanne Grant; Nicole Avard; Michael de Manincor; Jennifer Hunter Journal: BMC Complement Med Ther Date: 2020-02-18