Combined treatment for PTSD and chronic 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 single-arm pilot testing an integrated intervention that delivers evidence-based PTSD therapy (Prolonged Exposure) together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain, rather than offering them one after the other. Adults who meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD and report clinically meaningful chronic pain will receive the combined protocol while remaining on stable medications. Outcomes will include changes in PTSD symptoms, pain severity, functional impairment, and treatment retention to gauge feasibility and preliminary efficacy. The work is conducted at Weill Cornell Medicine with in-person outpatient therapy visits.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* English-speaking
* Currently meets criteria for PTSD, assessed by the CAPS-5 (any trauma type) - Chronic pain, assessed by greater than or equal to 4 on a scale of 0-10 pain severity over the past 3 months
* Medically stable at the time of study enrollment (chronic illness and disability does not prevent attendance of outpatient therapy sessions)
* Stable on psychotropic medication for past 60 days
* Agreed to not change current medication or pain-related treatments over the course of the study unless medically necessary
* Must be located in the state of New York for virtual assessments and treatment sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or bipolar I disorder
* Participation in concurrent evidence-based psychological treatment for PTSD or chronic pain during the past 3 months
* Participants must not participate in an evidence-based psychological treatment for either PTSD or pain during the course of the study.
* Moderate or severe substance use in the past 90 days
* Cognitive impairment to the degree that the patient cannot provide informed consent or fill out assessment measures
* Participants who in the PI's judgement pose a current homicidal or suicidal risk

Where it's running

• Weill Cornell Medicine
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: JoAnn Difede, PhD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Study coordinator: Mariel Emrich, MS
• Email: mae2050@med.cornell.edu
• Phone: 212-821-0783

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Internet-delivered ACT for youth with PTSD and chronic pain

  A small pilot study will test a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program for teens and young adults with PTSD and chronic pain to see if it helps with symptoms and functioning.

  Recruiting Skane University Hospital · Lund · NCT07813728

• Preventing chronic pain by treating PTSD during acute pain episodes

  This study is testing if treating PTSD symptoms during episodes of acute pain can help prevent people from developing chronic pain later on.

  Recruiting Rush University Medical Center · Chicago, Illinois · NCT05700279

• Internet-delivered therapy for PTSD and chronic pain

  This study is testing whether online therapy can help people with PTSD and chronic pain feel better compared to those who wait to start the treatment.

  Recruiting Skane University Hospital · Lund · NCT05147948

• Observational study on integrative medical care for chronic illnesses and mental health

  This study is testing how a team approach to integrative medical care can help adults and children with chronic illnesses and mental health issues feel better.

  Recruiting Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute · Seattle, Washington · NCT04512755

• Cognitive Rehabilitation of Everyday Goals With GMT: How Different Ways of Delivery Work

  This study tests Goal Management Training to see if a Swedish version helps adults with acquired brain injury or chronic pain improve practical goal-directed thinking and daily functioning.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Karolinska Institutet · Luleå, Norrbotten County and 2 other locations · NCT07924774

• One-time Pain Reprocessing Therapy session for chronic pain at The Ottawa Hospital

  A single four-hour session of Pain Reprocessing Therapy is being tested to see if it can help adults with chronic pain feel better and have less pain.

  Recruiting Ottawa Hospital Research Institute · Ottawa, Ontario · NCT07919626

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.