Development of an evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatment program for men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Objectives Psychosocial factors reported by patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) promote greater pain, disability, and ultimately poorer quality of life (QOL). We targeted those parameters in the development of a cognitive-behavioral (CB) program designed specifically for CP/CPPS. Methods and materials Five NIH sponsored biopsychosocial studies examined predictors of pain, disability, and QOL in CP/CPPS men. Pain, urinary symptoms, QOL, depressive symptoms, catastrophic thinking about pain, perceived control over pain, pain-contingent resting as a pain coping measure, social support and interaction, sexual functioning, and relationship issues were assessed. These data showed that CB intervention for pain catastrophizing, pain contingent rest, social support and depressive symptoms is warranted for men with CP/CPPS Results An evidence based 8-week CB program was developed. The content of the CB sessions are defined in an instructional patient workbook for each of the weekly 1-h sessions. The CB program guides patients in examining the relationship between their symptom-based distress, their thinking at such times and the emotions linked with those thoughts, and their behavioral responses to their particular thinking style (e.g., illness vs. wellness focused). Patients complete such analyses by using a Reaction Record format, which also delineates new thinking/behavioral responses. Conclusions The CB program developed for CP/CPPS is the first comprehensive attempt to target specific evidence supported biopsychosocial variables for both symptom and QOL improvement in CP/CPPS and is expected to provide a useful tool for the clinical management of this chronic condition.