Preventing chronic pain by treating PTSD during acute pain episodes

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

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

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

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

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• 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.