Exploring the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain in Veterans With Serious Mental Illness
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Chronic musculoskeletal pain has a highly negative impact on Veterans, especially those with serious mental illness (SMI). Chronic musculoskeletal pain leads to poorer mental and physical health-related functioning, representing a critical obstacle to rehabilitation and recovery for SMI Veterans. Despite known high prevalence rates of chronic pain in SMI populations, there is little research to evaluate nonpharmacological pain management strategies in this population. This study aims to address this research and clinical gap by testing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) - a VA evidence-based psychotherapy for chronic pain - in Veterans with SMI and chronic low back pain. The study will primarily evaluate the impact of CBT-CP on pain-related functioning, quality of life, and pain severity. This study will also examine relationships between pain and mental health symptoms, and how these relationships may change with CBT-CP completion.
Description
Project Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common physical health diagnoses among individuals with SMI. Individuals with SMI and chronic musculoskeletal pain report worse mental and physical health functioning relative to people with other mental or physical health conditions. Despite knowing about high rates of chronic musculoskeletal pain among individuals with SMI; little research has been conducted to further understand the complex relation between pain and psychiatric symptoms and consider the usefulness or appropriateness of current treatment approaches. What is…