Preventing chronic pain by treating PTSD during acute pain episodes
Preventing the Development of Chronic Pain: Treating PTSD at Acute Pain Onset
This study is testing if treating PTSD symptoms during episodes of acute pain can help prevent people from developing chronic pain later on.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 345 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05700279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to investigate whether reducing PTSD symptoms during acute pain episodes can prevent the transition to chronic pain. Participants with PTSD symptoms presenting to the Rush University Medical Center with non-injury based acute pain will be randomly assigned to receive either Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment, or usual care. The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions over a period of six months through various self-report and clinician-administered assessments. The goal is to determine if addressing PTSD can mitigate the risk of developing chronic pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 who present with acute pain and exhibit symptoms consistent with PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain due to debilitating trauma or those whose acute pain is primarily neuropathic may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain in individuals suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: While few studies have directly addressed this issue, the use of CPT and SGB has shown promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18 to 70 years 2. Ability to read and write English sufficiently to understand and complete study questionnaires and participate in interviews 3. Presenting to the Rush ED with acute pain without debilitating trauma 4. A primary acute pain site 5. Self-reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD 6. People with well-controlled diabetes or HIV/AIDS with chronic neuropathic pain will be included if their acute pain complaint at ED presentation is not due to neuropathic pain 7. Individuals with a history of psychotic or bipolar disorder that is currently well managed, have been treated for the condition for at least 3 months, are able to coherently answer interview questions, and are judged by study staff to be capable of participating in study 8. Current chronic illness that involves constant or frequent pain if their acute pain complaint at ED presentation is not due to the chronic illness. (case-by-case basis) 9. Current chronic pain from various sources if their acute pain complaint at ED presentation is not related to their current chronic pain. (case-by-case basis) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pain intensity great enough to impair concentration or capacity to understand instructions or the nature of being invited into a study as assessed by a member of the medical staff 2. Any injury or illness that precludes their ability to understand or follow instructions as assessed by a member of the medical staff 3. Self-reported history of chronic pain on presentation to the ED or documented in the electronic medical record (case-by-case basis) 4. Pain from traumatic event that is the source of their PTSD 5. Neurological disorder 6. Blood pressure greater than 160/100 mmHg 7. Taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs other than aspirin 8. Pregnancy 9. Current alcohol or substance dependence 10. Anything that precludes interventions from being successful. 11. We will exclude people who are being treated for chronic or significant diseases such as rheumatoid disease, current influenza that may manifest temporary flu- related pain, and heart disease.
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John W Burns, PhD — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: John W Burns, PhD
- Email: john_burns@rush.edu
- Phone: 312-942-0379
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.