Online psychological treatments for chronic pain in teens

Internet-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Region Stockholm · NCT06981312

This study is testing if online therapy and education about pain can help teens aged 13-19 who have been dealing with chronic pain for at least three months feel better and improve their daily lives.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 19 Years
SexAll
SponsorRegion Stockholm Government
Locations1 site (Vallentuna)
Trial IDNCT06981312 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on adolescents aged 13-19 with chronic pain lasting at least three months, exploring the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Pain Science Education delivered via the internet. The aim is to address the significant impact of chronic pain on daily life, including sleep issues and reduced physical activity, by providing evidence-based psychological interventions. Participants will be required to have stable pain management without recent ACT or CBT treatment, and they must have access to the necessary technology for online participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Swedish-speaking adolescents aged 13-19 with chronic pain who have not received recent psychological treatment.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing ACT or CBT treatment or those with unstable pain medication regimens may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and pain management for adolescents suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using psychological therapies for chronic pain management, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents aged 13-19 years with chronic pain (duration ≥ 3 months).
* Have undergone a medical examination regarding their pain condition.
* Are not using pain-relieving medication, or have been stable on such medication for at least 2 months, with no planned medication changes.
* Have not undergone ACT or CBT treatment in the past six months.
* Can read and write in Swedish without difficulty.
* Have access to a smartphone/computer with an internet connection and e-ID.
* Have at least one parent or guardian who is willing and able to participate in parallel parent support treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Insufficient understanding of Swedish to complete study-related tasks.
* Adolescents currently undergoing ACT or CBT treatment.
* Adolescents who are using pain-relieving medication or have unstable medication regimes.
* Adolescents without access to a smartphone/computer or e-ID.

Where this trial is running

Vallentuna

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 PainNociplastic PainPain ManagementAcceptance and Commitment TherapyCognitive Behavior TherapyPain Science EducationPain EducationAdolescent
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.