RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07168707

Culturally Adapted EAET-H for Chronic Pain Patients Using Medical Cannabis in Israel - A Pilot Study

A Culturally Adapted Group-Based, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy Intervention - Hebrew (EAET-H) for Chronic Pain Patients Treated With Medical Cannabis in Israel - A Pilot Study

Sponsor

Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital

Enrollment

8 participants

Start Date

Jul 9, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cannabis Use Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a culturally adapted group-based emotional therapy named "Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy" can help reduce chronic pain and improve emotional well-being in Israeli adults who suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain and are treated with medical cannabis. Researchers will compare patients who receive the emotional therapy along with their usual care to patients who receive usual care only, to see if the therapy leads to better outcomes in pain, mental health, and daily functioning. Participants will attend a weekly 1.5-hour group therapy session for 8 weeks; Take part in group discussions and emotional processing exercises; Complete questionnaires about pain levels, mood, sleep, and quality of life; Continue their usual medical treatment as prescribed by their doctors.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

Diagnosed with any chronic musculoskeletal pain (≥ three months in duration). widespread pain or fibromyalgia or any combination of these conditions;
Treated with medical Cannabis;
Physical and mental ability to participate in group discussions;
Explicitly endorsed an interest in exploring potential emotional factors contributing to their somatic symptoms;
Signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria4

The following conditions will be excluded: confirmed hip/knee osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, electromyography-confirmed "tunnel" syndromes, autoimmune disease that typically generates pain (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus, sickle cell disease), cancer, and chronic infection associated with pain;
Severe mental illness or psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, multiple personality disorder, or dissociative identity disorder not controlled with medications. In addition, active suicide or violence risk in the past year, active severe alcohol or substance use disorder.
Unable to fluently read or converse in Hebrew;
Participation in any other clinical study or program focusing on psychological or behavioral intervention.

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Interventions

OTHERGroup-based Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy - Hebrew

This pilot study will use the eight-session group EAET manual developed by Mark A. Lumley and Howard Schubiner. Several adaptations to this manual were made: a) Manual's translation to the Hebrew language; b) Adaptations to the Israeli context and setting; c) Manual's language was changed from "fibromyalgia" to "chronic pain" and adaptations were made accordingly. Group participants will receive a class syllabus and an educational booklet of the EAET approach. Each group meeting will be led by two instructors, a psychologist and a physiotherapist.