Internet-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (iACT) for Youth With PTSD and Chronic Pain

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Internet-delivered Acceptance and commitment therapy for youth with PTSD and comorbid chronic pain. A pilot study (no randomization; N=5-10) will be conducted to test the intervention and assessment procedures. The participants will go through an active internet-based ACT treatment focused on education about PTSD, value-based exposure for the traumatic memory and avoided situations, and behavior change through exercises targeting the processes mindfulness, cognitive defusion and acceptance. The treatment is delivered on a safe internet platform. Participants have planned telephone contact with their assigned psychologist 3 times during the program and can also contact their psychologist via a message system in the platform and expect answer within 48 hours.

Inclusion criteria * a CAPS of ≥25 and a diagnosis of PTSD * subjected to single traumatic events * aged 15-24 years * had symptoms of chronic pain that interfered significantly with everyday life * were fully examined medically and had received medical treatment if indicated * were able to be an active part of the rehabilitation process, regain functioning in different life areas and participate in treatment interventions for approximately 5 hours every week * stable dose of medication * able to read and write in Swedish * had access to a smart phone or computer with internet access Exclusion criteria * repeated and extensive traumatic events * had other acute or severe psychiatric disorders or symptoms that warranted designation as the primary disorder (ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, untreated bipolar disorder, OCD, psychotic symptoms, severe depression, ) * were actively abusing analgesic medications (including narcotics), alcohol or other drugs * had great difficulty to harbour and handle strong emotions that could lead to self-harming behavior * had health risks due to medical reasons * had social or economic difficulties or lack of social support that hindered behavior change * current severe suicidal ideation that warranted immediate intervention