Internet-delivered ACT for emotional distress and chronic pain
Official title: Internet-Delivered ACT Targeting Emotional Distress and Chronic Pain
Run by Skane University Hospital · NCT07426367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This online program tests if Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults with emotional distress and chronic pain by delivering guided exercises and psychologist support over the internet.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Skane University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lund) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07426367 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18-65 with clinically significant anxiety or depression and chronic pain, able to engage in 5 hours of treatment per week, and having internet access and Swedish literacy.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with acute or severe psychiatric conditions or uncontrolled substance use may not benefit and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study will test an internet-based ACT program designed to reduce emotional distress in adults with chronic pain. Participants receive education on distress and pain, plus exercises targeting mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and acceptance, delivered through a secure online platform. Two planned telephone contacts with a psychologist and a platform message system provide support, with responses within 48 hours. Assessments occur at baseline, immediately after treatment (2 weeks), and at a 3-month follow-up to evaluate changes in distress and pain-related outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced emotional distress and improved functioning related to chronic pain through accessible online therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with internet-delivered ACT for pain and distress has shown promise, but pilot data in this exact setup are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: emotional distress characterized by clinically significant symptoms of anxiety or depression age between 18-65 years 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 patient at department of pain rehabilitation, SUS Exclusion Criteria: had acute or severe psychiatric disorders or symptoms that warranted designation as the primary disorder (ongoing substance dependence, untreated bipolar disorder, OCD, psychotic symptoms, severe depression, PTSD) were actively abusing analgesic medications (including narcotics), alcohol or other drugs had great difficulty to harbour and handle strong emotions that could lead to emotional outbursts or 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 (indicated by the MINI)
Where it's running
-
Department of pain rehabilitation
Lund, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sophia Åkerblom, Associate professor
- Email: sophia.akerblom@skane.se
- Phone: 004646172610
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Cognitive Rehabilitation of Everyday Goals With GMT: How Different Ways of Delivery Work
This study tests Goal Management Training to see if a Swedish version helps adults with acquired brain injury or chronic pain improve practical goal-directed thinking and daily functioning.
-
One-time Pain Reprocessing Therapy session for chronic pain at The Ottawa Hospital
A single four-hour session of Pain Reprocessing Therapy is being tested to see if it can help adults with chronic pain feel better and have less pain.
-
Meaning-Based Psychotherapy for Adults with Chronic Pain
This trial tests whether Meaning-Based Psychotherapy helps adults with chronic pain feel more purposeful, feel less depressed, and have a better quality of life compared with optimized usual care therapy.
-
How chronic pain changes over time in kids with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
This study is following children and teens with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for 6 months to see how their chronic pain changes and how it affects daily life.
-
CBD for Opioid Dependence and Pain on Buprenorphine
This study tests whether different doses of cannabidiol (CBD) can affect pain and opioid cravings in adults with opioid use disorder who are on buprenorphine, using a short, randomized, placebo-controlled setup.
-
Cebranopadol for opioid withdrawal in adults with chronic pain
This study tests whether cebranopadol can reduce withdrawal symptoms in adults with chronic pain who are physically dependent on prescribed opioids, compared with placebo.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.