Vallentuna

Researchers are investigating internet-delivered psychological treatments for adolescents aged 13 to 19 years with chronic pain lasting at least three months. This study compares Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT with Pain Science Education PSE and a wait list control to evaluate their effects on pain interference, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. The study addresses the need for accessible, evidence-based digital interventions to help young people manage chronic pain that affects daily life, sleep, school attendance, and physical activity. The trial lasts nine weeks and involves three groups one receiving ACT which includes two weeks of pain neuroscience education followed by seven weeks of ACT focused on exposure and psychological flexibility another receiving an extended PSE program with detailed education and behavioral experiments and a wait list control receiving usual treatment. Both ACT and PSE treatments are delivered through an online platform with text, images, videos, and audio, and include weekly communication with a clinician. Parents participate in parallel support programs to encourage effective parenting strategies and reduce stress. Participants will complete various assessments at baseline, during, and after treatment, including measures of pain interference, psychological inflexibility, anxiety, depression, fear of pain, pain intensity, and school absence. Parent behaviors and stress are also evaluated. Follow-ups occur at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment ends. The study aims to understand treatment effects, underlying processes, and how changes in parental behavior relate to improvements in adolescent functioning and quality of life.