Compassion meditation for veterans with chronic pain and mental health issues
Efficacy of Mind-Body Approaches for the Treatment of Chronic Pain With Psychological Comorbidity
This study tests if compassion meditation can help veterans with chronic pain and mental health issues feel better compared to regular health education.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 142 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04651296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of compassion meditation as a treatment for chronic pain and associated mental health conditions in veterans. It aims to address the significant prevalence of chronic pain among veterans, which often coexists with conditions like PTSD and depression. The intervention involves a structured program of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training, comparing its outcomes to traditional health education. The study seeks to provide a holistic approach to improve both physical and mental health in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18 and older who experience chronic pain most days of the week and have probable diagnoses of depression and/or PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients with serious suicidality, untreated substance abuse, or unstable serious mental disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for veterans suffering from chronic pain and mental health issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness and meditation approaches for chronic pain and mental health, suggesting potential success for this novel intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Criteria for inclusion include * Veteran status * age 18 or greater * able to consent * pain most days (\> 3 days/week) for at least 6 months * probable diagnosis of depression and/or PTSD Exclusion Criteria: * serious suicidality or homicidality that has required urgent or emergent evaluation or treatment within the past three months or a suicide attempt within the past year * a known, untreated substance abuse or dependence problem (inclusion is possible if there is evidence that the individual has been afforded and is complying with treatment for the substance problem) * untreated/unstable serious mental disorders, such as psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder, or serious dissociative symptoms * cognitive impairment that would interfere with treatment, and * concurrent enrollment in any other treatment specifically targeting chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms or social functioning (e.g., couples therapy) or any meditative or mind-body intervention (e.g., mindfulness, yoga)
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anne L Malaktaris — VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- Study coordinator: Anne L Malaktaris
- Email: anne.malaktaris@va.gov
- Phone: (858) 642-3794
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.