A Behavioral Intervention for Depression and Chronic Pain in Primary Care

"Relief": A Behavioral Intervention for Depression and Chronic Pain in Primary Care

Chronic pain and depression frequently co-exist in late and mid-life and contribute to increased disability, high health care costs, psychiatric comorbidity, and suicide. The investigators will recruit 60 adults from Weill Cornell Medical Associates primary care practices; participants will be randomized to either Relief (a 9 session behavioral intervention) or usual care/referral for mental health care. Research assessments are conducted with both groups at study entry (Baseline), 6, 9, and 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 50 years
• PHQ-9 greater than or equal to 10
• Non-cancer related chronic pain, defined as pain during most days over the past 3 months by patient report
• Capacity to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• DSM-5 Axis 1 other than depression and anxiety disorders
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) < 24
• Active suicidal ideation, i.e. MADRS Suicide Item greater than or equal to 4
• Severe or life-threatening medical illness.
• Patients on psychotropics, opioids or benzodiazepines will be included if they do not meet DSM-5 criteria for opioid, anxiolytics or other substance abuse disorders