Psychophysical and Neural Mechanisms Contributing to Chronic Post-Surgical Pain in Adolescents and Adults

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Clinical Study ID

NCT05304286

IRB-P000634

Ages > 12
All Genders

Study Summary

The current project will (1) enhance our understanding of the neurobiology of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP); (2) provide a metric to follow patients with CPSP in the clinic; (3) provide a metric for those who will chronify; and (4) understand the age-related differences in CPSP. Ultimately, an improved comprehension of mechanisms linked to CPSP will provide finer tools for optimizing the selection of treatments for individual patients. Moreover, data that demonstrates the underlying pathobiological pain mechanism(s) active in CPSP, particularly those non-responsive to current therapies, may be used to validate novel strategies both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

--Females and males aged 12 and older who have previously undergone surgery at least 6 months ago and have chronic post surgical pain (3 months after surgery or longer)

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Inability to speak sufficient English or another language that can be interpretedorally and for questionnaires with the research team
Severe cognitive impairment by history (e.g., intellectual disability, severe headinjury)
Patients with significant psychiatric disorders
Use of illegal hard drugs including MDMA, heroin, methamphetimes, amphetamines,cocaine, ketamine, benzodiazepines, and phencyclidine. Absence of such drugs will beconfirmed in a urine drug screen during the visit. If prescription medicationincludes any of these compounds, that medication is not exclusionary.

Study Design

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

April 07, 2022

June 30, 2026

Study Description

In this mechanistic clinical trial, participants will be randomized into either a one-day (5 hours) group workshop based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and a one-month post workshop zoom individual booster session or Treatment as Usual (TAU).

Dr. Sieberg will conduct the groups with assistance from the RA. Dr. Sieberg is a licensed clinical psychologist, who has delivered manualized ACT for chronic pain in her clinical practice. The intervention follows a manual patterned after an existing 1-day ACT intervention for chronic pain and will be adapted to meet the needs of patients with ongoing CPSP. Topics covered in the workshop include: (1) mindfulness of troublesome thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations; (2) willingness to face and accept experiences that cannot be changed; (3) identifying values; and (4) promoting behavior changes that support value-based action.

The goal of the ACT intervention is to increase awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that exacerbate pain while minimizing avoidance that interferes with engagement in valued action. Participants will also receive an individually tailored 30-minute booster session via zoom one month following the workshop. During the booster session, ACT principles will be reinforced and the participant will work together with Dr. Sieberg to problem-solve and address any difficulties engaging in ACT exercises and practices.

Connect with a study center

Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
United States
Active - Recruiting
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
United States
Site Not Available
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston 4930956, Massachusetts 6254926 02114
United States
Active - Recruiting

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