A cognitive behavior intervention program in women with unexplained chest pain - A pilot study

Background: Unexplained chest pain (UCP) affects everyday life, causing fear and anxiety. Patients often have difficulty understanding their symptoms. Aim: To test a cognitive behavior group intervention program designed for women with UCP, and investigate its effects in terms of participants' ideas and perceptions of the program as well as their pain experience. Method: Nine women aged 44-69 participated in the pilot study, which included six group sessions. Three months after the intervention, interviews were conducted, followed by content analysis. Results: Narrating and sharing experiences led to awareness and understanding of what may affect chest pain. Knowledge about how stress affects the body and an understanding of one's own situation and what may affect the pain changed participants' patterns of thinking. The treatment provided tools to take control over beginning reactions to stress and thus prevent chest pain. Fewer pain attacks were reported but there was no pronounced decrease in pain intensity. Conclusion: This pilot study shows that it is possible, through a cognitive behavior group intervention program, to generate positive experiences of managing stress and inner pressure and to change thinking patterns. The possibility to use these strategies and techniques to improve sleeping problems and alleviate pain is also presented.