An Evaluation of MBSR and CBT for Veterans With Chronic Pain

In MBSR, participants meet by video for 2 hours per week for 8 weeks in a group format and receive instruction in mindfulness meditation according to a standardized curriculum, are given daily homework, participate in group discussions, and can ask questions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely used non-pharmacologic intervention for chronic pain and a version of CBT specifically addressing chronic pain (CBT-CP) has been developed for use in VA with Veterans. Fundamentally, CBT is an approach that seeks to ameliorate dysfunctional relationships between an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to improve functioning and quality of life. At our site, the CBT-CP format has been adapted for clinical use (i.e., as part of usual clinical care) to 8 video sessions in a group format, while retaining all essential elements.

Veterans randomized to usual care will continue to be followed by their usual care providers for all medical and mental health care. This can include continued use of medications, specialty referrals and other usual elements of care. They will be asked to not enroll in the specific MBSR or CBT-CP interventions during the 8-month study period, but can attend other groups interventions, such as CBT-Insomnia, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain, and other groups for chronic pain and PTSD as directed by their treating providers. They can also enroll in MBSR or CBT-CP at the completion of the study.