Randomized trial of cognitive behavior therapy versus supportive psychotherapy for HIV-related peripheral neuropathic pain

Psychosomatics. 2003 Jan-Feb;44(1):44-50. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.44.1.44.

Abstract

The feasibility and acceptability of cognitive behavior therapy for HIV-related peripheral neuropathic pain was examined and the potential efficacy of the intervention was compared with that of supportive psychotherapy in reducing pain, pain-related interference with functioning, and distress. Sixty-one patients were randomly assigned to receive six weekly sessions of cognitive behavior therapy or supportive psychotherapy. Thirty-three subjects completed the protocol. Both groups showed significant reductions in pain. The cognitive behavior group improved in most domains of pain-related functional interference and distress; the supportive psychotherapy group showed fewer gains. The high dropout rate suggests that psychotherapeutic treatments for HIV-related pain may have limited feasibility and acceptability.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Social Support
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Treatment Outcome