Pain Disengagement Training for Chronic Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byKatherine McDermott, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The investigators aim to conduct an open pilot trial to determine the initial feasibility of a self-directed writing-based intervention in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain and elevated pain catastrophizing. The investigators will assess the feasibility of recruitment, acceptability of the treatment, credibility and participant satisfaction, treatment adherence, and feasibility of assessments following pre-specified benchmarks.

Research Team

Katherine McDermott, PhD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain who often find themselves overly focused on their pain (pain catastrophizing). Participants should be willing to try a self-directed writing-based intervention. Specific eligibility details are not provided, so general inclusion would apply.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

Received care at Massachusetts General Hospital

Pain catastrophizing score greater than or equal to 20 on Pain Catastrophizing Scale

See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't changed my medication or therapy significantly in the last 3 months.

Severe untreated mental health condition (e.g., psychosis)

Active suicidality with history of plan or current intent

See 2 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Pain Disengagement Training (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study is testing a new self-help method called Pain Disengagement Training. It's designed to help people manage chronic musculoskeletal pain through writing exercises. The pilot will check if the approach is practical and satisfying for participants.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Pain Disengagement TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The intervention involves approximately 8 sessions. The first session will involve a psychoeducation component describing the association between negative emotions and pain and the rationale for the intervention strategies. The intervention sessions will consist of approximately 30 minutes of writing alternating between imaginal exposure writing and positive writing periods alternating back and forth (e.g., 3-5 minutes of imaginal exposure writing followed by 3-5 minutes of positive writing before returning to imaginal exposure writing, etc.). Exposure writing will involve writing about a pain-related catastrophic worry repeatedly until it becomes less anxiety-provoking. The positive writing topics will change with each prompt and will be structured by session theme (e.g., values/goals, meaningful activities). They will also complete between session practice by setting aside a time for worrying and then completing a meaningful activity.