RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06865560

Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder

Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder - A Pilot Study

Sponsor

University of Michigan

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Jun 3, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Chronic Pain

Summary

The study is intended to test whether a group-based Zoom behavioral treatment can help adults with chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) learn effective strategies for reducing pain, disability and other problems that can come with these conditions (such as depression, anxiety, and difficulty managing emotions).

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Be able to read, write and speak English
Have Internet access and audio-visual conferencing capability (e.g., Zoom meetings by phone or computer) in the home
Widespread pain and has opioid use disorder (OUD)

Exclusion Criteria6

Diagnosis of autoimmune disease, spinal cord injury, cancer.
Currently receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy, EAET, or other psychological therapies for pain
Open litigation regarding chronic pain in the past 1 year, as assessed in preliminary study screening.
Inability to provide informed consent and complete study procedures (e.g., indications of suspected major cognitive impairment via observations of study staff during consenting) that would preclude comprehension or participation in study protocols.
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Any other diseases or conditions that would make a patient unsuitable for study participation as determined by the site principal investigators.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALEmotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)

A validated, 8-week, group-based telehealth-based behavioral intervention for chronic pain. Session content will include pain neuroscience education, emotion-focused expressive writing, in-vivo emotional expression practices, self-compassion and forgiveness exercises, and assertive communication strategies. Participants will also be provided handouts and pre-recorded guided imagery and cognitive exercises that they can use to facilitate between-session practices.