A review of empirically supported psychosocial interventions for pain and adherence outcomes in sickle cell disease.

TitleA review of empirically supported psychosocial interventions for pain and adherence outcomes in sickle cell disease.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsChen E, Cole SW, Kato PM
JournalJ Pediatr Psychol
Volume29
Issue3
Pagination197-209
Date Published2004 Apr-May
ISSN0146-8693
KeywordsAnemia, Sickle Cell, Child, Cognitive Therapy, Empirical Research, Humans, Pain, Pain Management, Patient Compliance, Psychology
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review empirical studies of psychological interventions for pain and adherence outcomes among patients with sickle cell disease.

METHOD: We conducted a literature review of studies using psychological interventions targeted at pain and/or adherence behaviors related to sickle cell disease. The American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force criteria (Chambless criteria) were used to evaluate the empirical support for three categories of interventions (cognitive-behavioral techniques, interventions aimed at behavioral change, and social support interventions).

RESULTS: A small number of intervention studies met criteria for demonstrating empirical efficacy. As a group, cognitive-behavioral techniques fall into the category of probably efficacious for sickle cell pain. Other intervention types were limited by inadequate research methodologies.

CONCLUSIONS: Future studies will need to more stringently test outcomes related to acute crises (e.g., pain episodes) as well as day-to-day management of sickle cell disease to clarify the most efficacious intervention approaches. Implications and suggestions for future research directions are discussed.

Alternate JournalJ Pediatr Psychol
PubMed ID15131137