Combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in Older Adults

Abstract

The article discusses a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) that was applied to an older adult. Findings reveal that a brief intervention of 8 weeks was effective in producing a clinically significant change in pain experience, as well as an increase in sleep quality/sleep maintenance and acceptance of pain. It is suggested that a central ACT component such as mindfulness skills as well as the focus on values may contribute to efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatment for chronic pain.