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Intensive Treatment of Chronic Pain and PTSD: The PATRIOT Program
John D Otis1,2, Jonathan S Comer3, Terence M Keane1,4
1Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2024
Summary
The PATRIOT Program, a brief, intensive treatment, effectively reduced chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Veterans. This integrated approach shows promise for managing comorbid pain and PTSD effectively.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pain Medicine
- Military Health
Background:
- Military combat frequently leads to chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- These conditions often co-occur, causing significant distress and functional impairment.
- Effective, time-efficient treatments are crucial for managing comorbid pain and PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and pilot-test the Pain and Trauma Intensive Outpatient Treatment (PATRIOT) Program.
- To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an integrated chronic pain and PTSD treatment.
- To provide a brief, intensive treatment option for Veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Development and pilot testing of the PATRIOT Program, a 3-week, 6-session integrated treatment.
- Evaluation of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in eight Veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD.
- Assessment of PTSD symptoms using the Clinician-Administered Assessment of PTSD (CAPS), pain, and catastrophic thinking.
Main Results:
- No treatment dropouts were observed, indicating high feasibility and acceptability.
- Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms were noted post-treatment.
- Decreases in pain and catastrophic thinking were observed from pre- to post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- The PATRIOT Program demonstrates feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy for comorbid chronic pain and PTSD in Veterans.
- This brief, intensive, integrated treatment may offer a cost-effective and accessible option.
- Further investigation is warranted to support its wider implementation for managing pain and PTSD.
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