Using mind-body techniques to help treat chronic pain and mental health issues.
Official title: Efficacy of Mind-Body Approaches for the Treatment of Chronic Pain with Psychological Comorbidity
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11051231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002041-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing chronic pain along with psychological conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or psychological comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malaktaris, Anne — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Malaktaris, Anne
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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.