Self-Directed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy More Effective Than Traditional CBT for Chronic Pain

A new Yale-led clinical trial, published in JAMA, suggests that self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be more effective than traditional clinician-delivered CBT for chronic pain. Patients participating in the self-directed "Cooperative Pain Education and Self-management (COPES)" program showed greater improvements in pain interference, sleep, and depressive symptoms lasting up to a year post-treatment compared to those receiving typical care. This approach could improve accessibility to chronic pain treatment.