Approximately 450,000 Veterans Health Administration service users have both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain (CP); treatments that efficiently target both PTSD and CP are limited, and new interventions should address the unique needs of Veterans with PTSD/CP. Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), a meditation-based program, appears well-suited to address these high-priority VA needs. MRP has established effectiveness for treatment of PTSD, is broadly acceptable, can be learned quickly and applied flexibly. However, rigorous testing is needed for pain-related outcomes among a PTSD/CP population. The proposed study will include a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of MRP for PTSD/CP to Health Education while Living with Pain among a sample of 170 Veterans with comorbid PTSD/CP. The primary outcomes will be PTSD symptoms and pain interference. Results from this study will directly inform patient care among the nearly 4% of Veterans with PTSD/CP.
Inclusion Criteria:
U.S. Veteran
Diagnosis of PTSD
Chronic, non-malignant pain:
Willing/able to engage in study activities
Exclusion Criteria:
anne.malaktaris@va.gov(858) 642-3794
The outcome evaluator is blind to experimental condition
8-session group-based meditation training class led by a trained instructor
8-session group-based health education and discussion led by a trained instructor
Mantram Repetition to Manage PTSD in Veterans
Mantram Repetition Meditation for Veterans With PTSD
Yoga and Mantram for Chronic Pain and PTSD
Compassion Meditation vs. Health Education for Veterans
Pilot Trial of Mobile Mantram Delivery
An Evaluation of MBSR and CBT for Veterans With Chronic Pain
Virtual Mantram Program for Patients With PTSD and SUD
Meditation Interventions for Treatment of PTSD in Veterans