Developing a trial to treat chronic pain and PTSD together in veterans
Official title: Leveraging VA National Data, Expert Consensus, and Veteran Input to Develop and Refine a Pragmatic Trial Protocol Comparing Integrated Interventions to Address Co-Occurring Pain and PTSD in Veterans
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-10994495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find better ways to help veterans who are dealing with both chronic pain and PTSD by testing new treatments that work together, making it easier for them to get the care they need all in one place.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I21HX003886-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994495 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are experiencing both chronic pain and PTSD, particularly those who are also prescribed opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or PTSD, or who are not veterans, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create and refine a trial protocol that tests integrated treatments for veterans suffering from both chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By combining expert opinions, veteran experiences, and clinical data, the study seeks to address the challenges of treating these co-occurring conditions, which are often managed separately. The goal is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of these integrated interventions, particularly for veterans who may also be dealing with opioid dependence. This approach hopes to improve health outcomes by providing coordinated care that addresses multiple issues simultaneously.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for veterans suffering from chronic pain and PTSD, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While integrated treatment approaches for chronic pain and PTSD are being explored, this specific protocol is innovative and aims to fill a significant gap in current clinical practice guidelines.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seal, Karen H — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Seal, Karen H
Related research
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Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
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Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.