From Screen to Session: Tailoring Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent and Young Adult Females with Chronic Pain
摘要
Chronic pain conditions impose an enormous burden on individuals and society due to their high lifetime prevalence. Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have proven effective in improving pain and disability outcomes in pediatric and adult chronic pain populations. A growing body of evidence suggests that delivering CBT digitally can reduce barriers to treatment access. However, chronic pain presentations and comorbidities vary widely, and gender has emerged as a significant factor influencing pain experiences. Therefore, there is an opportunity to tailor CBT interventions to better meet the unique needs of AYA females with chronic pain. This chapter’s aims are twofold: first, to provide a brief overview of current research on the efficacy and effectiveness of digital CBT for chronic pain management, including emerging data on gender-specific differences in treatment outcomes; and second, to present a case study of a young adult female with chronic pelvic pain who used a mobile CBT pain management app alongside in-person therapy. This case study illustrates how digital CBT can be integrated into care and customized for the unique needs of AYA females. We conclude with practical guidance for clinicians on incorporating digital behavioral interventions into practice, along with a discussion of future innovative directions.