CBT-CP for Veterans With SMI

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Dec 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled CBT-CP for Veterans With SMI, is studying how effective a therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) is for veterans who have serious mental illnesses (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) and suffer from chronic low back pain. The goal is to see if this therapy can help improve their pain levels, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Chronic pain can significantly affect both the physical and mental health of veterans, making it harder for them to recover and rehabilitate.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have chronic back pain, and meet specific mental health criteria for serious mental illness. They should also be enrolled in outpatient treatment at a VA healthcare facility and have access to a phone for communication. Participants will not be eligible if they are currently using certain substances, have recently undergone similar therapy, or have other medical conditions that could interfere with their ability to participate. If you or someone you know meets these criteria, this trial could be a valuable opportunity to explore new ways to manage chronic pain effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Have chronic back pain, per medical record
• • Have a PEG-3 rating of 4 or greater for pain severity or interference
• • Meet criteria for an SMI diagnosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychosis) per medical record
• • 18 years of age or older
• • Enrolled in outpatient programming within a VISN 5 health care facility at time of consent
• • Have regular access to a telephone
• • Capacity to sign informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Are engaging in moderate-to-severe substance use that would impact their ability to participate and/or would require a higher level of care (as determined by treating provider)
• • Engagement in individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), whether currently or in the past 12 months
• • Have a current acute pain condition, medical condition, or limited mobility (i.e., unable to walk one city block) that would interfere with their ability to engage in CBT-CP interventions (e.g., activity pacing/walking program)