Comparing personalized and standardized cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain

Network-Based vs. Standardized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Primary Pain: A Single-Case Experimental Design With Randomized Baselines

Not applicable Interventional University of Kaiserslautern-Landau · NCT06784141

This study is testing whether personalized cognitive behavioral therapy can help people with chronic pain feel better compared to standard therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kaiserslautern-Landau Academic / other
Locations1 site (Landau)
Trial IDNCT06784141 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of personalized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with standardized CBT for patients suffering from chronic primary pain. Utilizing a balanced repeated measures design, participants will receive either personalized or standardized CBT, with their outcomes measured across various parameters such as pain intensity and disability. Recruitment will occur at university outpatient clinics in Germany, and the study will assess the impact of personalized treatment on chronic pain management. The hypothesis is that personalized CBT will yield comparable or improved outcomes compared to standardized CBT.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of chronic pain lasting at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients with acute suicidality, substance abuse issues, or those currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain patients, leading to better pain management and improved quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the feasibility of personalized CBT approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel comparison.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* main diagnosis of chronic pain (i.e. pain persists for at least 6 months and is the most prominent/most burdensome symptom)
* subjective impairment/disability (yes-no)
* access to a smartphone compatible with the app mPath

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute hazard due to suicidality, substance abuse, and/or psychosis
* only migraine/headache or migraine/headache are the focus of pain
* analphabetism
* insufficient German knowledge
* current psychotherapy
* current participation in another intervention study
* physical inability to take part in therapy and study sessions

Where this trial is running

Landau

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Primary PainChronic PainSingle Case Experimental DesignEcological Momentary AssessmentNetwork AnalysisCognitive Behavior Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.