A practical program using emotional awareness and expression therapy for Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a phase 1 pragmatic pilot that will implement Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) delivered by clinicians in usual-care settings across up to seven VA healthcare systems. Veterans with at least three months of musculoskeletal pain and average pain ≥4/10 will be enrolled and receive EAET or cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP). The project focuses on real-world delivery, clinician training, feasibility, and effects on pain severity, pain interference, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Results will inform a larger effectiveness trial and broader VA implementation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran at one of 7 VA healthcare systems;
* Age 18 years or older;
* At least 3 months of musculoskeletal pain, defined using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnostic codes, which include the following M-code diagnoses: back pain, fibromyalgia, limb pain, neck pain; R-code diagnoses: pelvic and perineal pain, jaw pain; and G-code diagnoses: tension headaches; and
* Pain of at least moderate severity, defined as ≥4 "on average" on the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

* Poorly controlled major psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder with acute psychotic symptoms, severe manic or depressive episode listed as active in CPRS);
* Active suicide or violence risk (e.g., currently suicidal or homicidal ideation, intent, or plans);
* Active severe drug/alcohol use disorder (e.g., drinking more than intended, tried to stop but couldn't, spent significant time drinking or being sick from aftereffects, wanted drink so badly you couldn't think of anything else, interference with home or work life, continued to drink despite problems, given up on activities, dangerous situations, withdrawal and/or tolerance); and
* Current participation in CBT-CP or EAET, or participation in either intervention in the last 6 months, via clinical care or another research study.

Where it's running

• University of California, Los Angeles
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Brandon C Yarns, MD, MS
• Email: VAChronicPainMultiStudy@va.gov
• Phone: 310 268 3304

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.