RCT of Mantram Repetition Versus Health Education for Veterans With PTSD and Chronic Pain

Approximately 450,000 Veterans Health Administration service users have both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain (CP); treatments that efficiently target both PTSD and CP are limited, and new interventions should address the unique needs of Veterans with PTSD/CP. Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), a meditation-based program, appears well-suited to address these high-priority VA needs. MRP has established effectiveness for treatment of PTSD, is broadly acceptable, can be learned quickly and applied flexibly. However, rigorous testing is needed for pain-related outcomes among a PTSD/CP population. The proposed study will include a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of MRP for PTSD/CP to Health Education while Living with Pain among a sample of 170 Veterans with comorbid PTSD/CP. The primary outcomes will be PTSD symptoms and pain interference. Results from this study will directly inform patient care among the nearly 4% of Veterans with PTSD/CP.

Inclusion Criteria: * U.S. Veteran * Diagnosis of PTSD * Chronic, non-malignant pain: * (a) pain most days (\> 3 days/week) for at least 6 months * (b) average pain severity and interference with enjoyment of life and/or general * Willing/able to engage in study activities Exclusion Criteria: * Significant current risk of suicide or homicide * Untreated severe alcohol or substance use disorder * Untreated/unstable serious mental health disorders, such as psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or serious dissociative symptoms * Impaired mental status * Concurrent interventions specifically targeting PTSD or CP or social functioning (e.g., couples therapy) or any meditative or mind-body intervention