Hypnotic Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Pain
(HYPCT Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) pain is complex and difficult to treat. For individuals with SCI, pain often begins early in the course of their SCI and continues longitudinally. Unfortunately, SCI-related pain is frequently not responsive to medical treatment and medical treatments that are available and commonly used, such as opioids, have negative side-effects and risk of addiction. Nonpharmacological (non-medication) interventions to reduce chronic pain show promise both for individuals with SCI as well as other chronic pain conditions. Research on psychological interventions for chronic pain over the past two decades has consistently found these interventions to be more effective than no treatment, standard care, pain education, or relaxation training alone. However, many of these interventions are designed and implemented in outpatient settings after chronic pain has already developed. The development of early, effective, and preventative interventions to reduce the development of chronic pain has the potential to vastly improve quality of life for individuals with SCI. Having demonstrated the feasibility and acceptance of this treatment in an earlier study, the purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to compare the treatment of Hypnosis Enhanced Cognitive (HYPCT) therapy to Pain Education (ED) for reducing acute and chronic pain for individuals with new spinal cord injuries. The main goals of the study are to: * Aim 1: Test the effectiveness of HYPCT during inpatient rehabilitation for SCI compared to a ED for reducing current pain intensity. * Aim 2: Determine the post-intervention impact of HYPCT sessions compared to ED on average pain intensity. Participants will be asked to: * Complete 4 surveys over seven months * Complete pre and post treatment pain assessments for each of 4 treatment/control sessions Participants will be assigned to one of two groups for treatment and receive either: * 4 Hypnotic Cognitive therapy sessions or * 4 Pain Education sessions
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on non-medication therapies for pain management.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Hypnosis Enhanced Cognitive Therapy for chronic pain?
Is Hypnotic Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Pain safe for humans?
How does Hypnosis Enhanced Cognitive Therapy differ from other treatments for chronic pain?
Hypnosis Enhanced Cognitive Therapy is unique because it combines hypnosis with cognitive therapy to manage chronic pain, potentially offering benefits beyond pain control by affecting brain and spinal-cord functioning. Unlike standard treatments, it uses hypnotic suggestions to enhance the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions, although individual responses can vary.12578
Research Team
Amy J Starosta, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) who are experiencing moderately intense pain and can read and speak English. They must be currently admitted to inpatient rehabilitation at Harborview Medical Center. People with severe cognitive issues, significant mental health conditions, or recent suicidal behaviors cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either Hypnotic Cognitive Therapy or Pain Education during inpatient rehabilitation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Hypnosis Enhanced Cognitive Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Collaborator