Internet-Delivered Psychological Treatments for Chronic Pain in Adolescents: ACT and Pain Education.

Launched by REGION STOCKHOLM · May 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective online psychological treatments are for adolescents aged 13 to 19 who experience chronic pain, which is pain lasting more than three months. The treatments being tested include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Pain Education, which aim to help young people manage their pain better. The trial will compare the effects of these online treatments to a control group receiving pain education and another group on a waitlist. The goal is to understand how these different approaches can help improve the daily lives of young people dealing with chronic pain.

To participate in this trial, adolescents must have chronic pain and meet specific criteria, such as not currently using pain-relieving medications or undergoing other psychological treatments. They also need to be able to read and write in Swedish and have access to a computer or smartphone with an internet connection. Participants can expect to receive support not only for themselves but also for their parents, as the study includes a component that helps caregivers respond to their child’s pain in a way that promotes independence. Overall, this trial aims to enhance understanding of how online psychological treatments can benefit adolescents suffering from chronic pain and improve their quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adolescents aged 13-19 years with chronic pain (duration ≥ 3 months).
• • Have undergone a medical examination regarding their pain condition.
• • Are not using pain-relieving medication, or have been stable on such medication for at least 2 months, with no planned medication changes.
• • Have not undergone ACT or CBT treatment in the past six months.
• • Can read and write in Swedish without difficulty.
• • Have access to a smartphone/computer with an internet connection and e-ID.
• • Have at least one parent or guardian who is willing and able to participate in parallel parent support treatment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Insufficient understanding of Swedish to complete study-related tasks.
• • Adolescents currently undergoing ACT or CBT treatment.
• • Adolescents who are using pain-relieving medication or have unstable medication regimes.
• • Adolescents without access to a smartphone/computer or e-ID.