Self-system therapy for distress associated with persistent low back pain: A
randomized clinical trial.
Author(s): Waters SJ(1), Strauman TJ, McKee DC, Campbell LC, Shelby RA, Dixon KE, Fras AM,
Keefe FJ.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)a Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , Duke University Medical
Center , Durham , NC , USA.
Publication date & source: 2015, Psychother Res. ,
OBJECTIVE: Persistent low back pain (PLBP) is associated with vulnerability to
depression. PLBP frequently requires major changes in occupation and lifestyle,
which can lead to a sense of failing to attain one's personal goals
(self-discrepancy).
METHOD: We conducted a clinical trial to examine the efficacy of self-system
therapy (SST), a brief structured therapy for depression based on
self-discrepancy theory. A total of 101 patients with PLBP and clinically
significant depressive symptoms were randomized either to SST, pain education, or
standard care.
RESULTS: Patients receiving SST showed significantly greater improvement in
depressive symptoms. Reduction in self-discrepancy predicted reduction in
depressive symptoms only within the SST condition.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the utility of SST for individuals facing
persistent pain and associated depression.
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