Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain and Loneliness

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen byLisham Ashrafioun, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Loneliness-feeling socially isolated-is a stressor that is associated with chronic pain. The investigators will first conduct a small trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Loneliness (CBT-L)in Veterans with chronic pain reporting loneliness. After completing this small trial, the investigators will randomize-like a flip of a coin-a total of 40 participants to receive either CBT-L or CBT for Chronic Pain. The investigators will assess loneliness, the quality and quantity of social interactions, and pain outcomes such as pain-related interference, and thinking the worst about one's pain at baseline and after the treatment period. The investigators will also track participant flow, therapist adherence to the manual, participant homework completion, and participant satisfaction with the treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 who often feel pain and loneliness. They must have chronic pain most days for the past six months, score high on a pain scale, and feel lonely based on a specific test. Participants need phone or computer access but can't join if they don't understand consent, are planning surgery soon, have unstable medical conditions like active cancer treatment, or severe substance use issues.

Inclusion Criteria

Have access to a phone or computer

I am 18 years old or older.

My pain score is 4 or more, affecting my enjoyment and daily activities.

+3 more

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently struggling with a serious drug or alcohol addiction.

I do not have any uncontrolled medical conditions or cancer needing ongoing treatment.

I have had surgery recently or will have one soon.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study tests two types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): one targeting loneliness (CBT-L) and another focusing on managing chronic pain. After an initial small-scale test of CBT-L in veterans with chronic pain feeling lonely, participants will be randomly assigned to either CBT-L or standard CBT for Chronic Pain to compare effects on social interactions and how much their pain affects them.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: CBT for LonelinessExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

CBT delivered over the course of 8, \~45 minute sessions delivered via telehealth more centrally focused addressing factors contributing to loneliness and social isolation.

Group II: CBT for Chronic PainActive Control1 Intervention

CBT delivered over the course of 8, \~45 minute sessions delivered via telehealth broadly focused on increasing quality of life despite being in pain.