Individual versus group training in the treatment of chronic pain: Which is more efficacious?

Author(s): KronerHerwig, B.

Journal/Book: Z Klin Psychol Forsch Praxis. 1999; 28: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe & Huber Publishers. 256-266.

Abstract: The main objective of the study was to investigate differences in outcome of a standardized outpatient pain management training related to individual treatment versus a group setting. Psychological pain treatment was administered in addition to medical treatment. Thirty-four patients were treated in the individual setting, the same number in a group setting. Thirty-four patients who were treated only medically served as controls. Main outcome measures (subjective disability), catastrophizing and depression) and further variables were analyzed by ANOVA. Patients who received additional psychological training showed a better outcome than the controls in nearly all analyzed variables. Overall there were no significant differences between group and individual treatment. Effect sizes regarding improvement at follow up (disability, catastrophizing), however, point to a superiority of the group setting. Depressionscores showed no noteworthy differences. This is true for nearly all other variables. Taking the mostly non-significant differences between group and individual training into account, it is concluded that a psychological pain management training should be conducted in a group setting because of its better cost-effectiveness.

Note: Article Frettloh J, Ruhr Univ Bochum, Fak Med, Med Psychol Abt, Univ Str 150, D-44780 Bochum, GERMANY

Keyword(s): differences in outcome; group and individual treatment; outpatient pain management training; controlled trial; COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT; RECURRENT HEADACHE DISORDERS; LOW-BACK-PAIN; OCCUPATIONAL PAIN; TREATMENT CENTERS; UPPER LIMBS; MANAGEMENT; THERAPY; CARE

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