The efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent reasons of referral to health centers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain. The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. CBT was evaluated in 8 sessions of up to 50 minutes in 4 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. A multiple baseline with a follow up of 1 month was used. Patients were randomly allocated to baselines and outcome and assessed via Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Cognitive Coping Strategies Inventory (CCSI). Results showed that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was effective in reduction of depression, pain Catastrophzing and pain intensity, and improvement of coping strategies. These effects were maintained to some extent in the follow up. Psychological as well as medical treatment can be helpful in the patients with chronic pain.