Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Pain and Depression

This trial explores whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help older Black adults manage chronic pain and depression. Researchers aim to determine if this therapy improves life quality and reduces pain more effectively than a standard health program. The trial involves two groups: one trying the mindfulness therapy and the other following the Health Enhancement Program, a standard health program. Ideal participants are over 50, identify as Black, have experienced muscle or joint pain for more than three months, and feel depressed. Participants should also be comfortable with in-person and video meetings. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance treatment options for chronic pain and depression.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must not change the type or dose of antidepressant medications for at least 6 weeks before screening.

Research shows that mindfulness programs like Quiet Focus are generally easy for people to handle. Studies with adults who have chronic pain have found shorter mindfulness programs to be doable and welcomed. Participants can complete these programs with few issues and are usually willing to take part.

While specific reports of negative effects for Quiet Focus are absent, mindfulness programs like it typically do not cause major side effects. They aim to improve mental health and quality of life.

The Health Enhancement Program serves as a comparison in this trial. It acts as a standard to measure Quiet Focus and is not the main focus for safety checks. However, its inclusion in the trial suggests it is considered safe as a comparison treatment.

Researchers are excited about the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy techniques like Quiet Focus because they offer a new way to manage chronic pain and depression without relying on medications. Traditional treatments often involve drugs like antidepressants or pain relievers, which can have side effects and dependency issues. Quiet Focus is different because it uses mindfulness to help patients manage their symptoms by increasing awareness and cognitive flexibility. This approach could lead to sustainable mental and physical health improvements without the risks associated with long-term medication use.

Research has shown that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can help manage long-term pain and depression. In this trial, participants will join one of two treatment arms: the Quiet Focus program or the Health Enhancement Program. Studies indicate that MBCT can provide benefits for up to six months, particularly for individuals whose depression hasn't improved with other treatments. It helps people control their emotions better, reducing pain's impact on their lives and boosting confidence in handling daily tasks. This therapy has shown promise in improving well-being and managing chronic pain more effectively than traditional methods. These findings suggest that MBCT could be a useful option for those dealing with both chronic pain and depression.¹²⁶⁷⁸