Using mind-body techniques to help treat chronic pain and mental health issues.

Efficacy of Mind-Body Approaches for the Treatment of Chronic Pain with Psychological Comorbidity

NIH-funded research VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11051231

This study is looking at how a special program called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) can help Veterans with chronic pain who also deal with anxiety and depression, comparing it to a health education program to see which one helps them feel better overall.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051231 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a specific mind-body approach called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for treating chronic pain in Veterans who also experience psychological conditions like anxiety and depression. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial comparing CBCT to a health education program for Veterans suffering from chronic pain and mental health comorbidities. Participants will engage in sessions designed to improve their coping mechanisms and overall well-being, aiming to reduce both pain and psychological distress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing chronic pain along with psychological conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or psychological comorbidities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide Veterans with a new, effective treatment option that addresses both chronic pain and associated mental health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mind-body approaches for pain management, suggesting that this method could be effective, though this specific approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.