Addressing Chronic Pain and Suicide Risk in Veterans with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Strategic Insights -

Research has revealed a disproportionately high rate of chronic pain and suicide risk among veterans, highlighting a critical need for targeted interventions. A new study introduces Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pain and Suicide (MBCT-P/S), a novel approach combining components of MBCT-Pain and MBCT-Suicide to address both chronic pain and suicide risk. The study aims to assess the feasibility and treatment acceptability of MBCT-P/S in a randomized clinical trial involving 76 veterans with severe chronic pain and suicidal ideation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aims to address the significant public health problems of chronic pain and suicide risk in veterans, which are disproportionately high.
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pain and Suicide (MBCT-P/S) integrates components from MBCT-Pain and MBCT-Suicide to target both chronic pain and suicide risk.
  • The study recruited 76 veterans through Veterans Health Administration electronic medical record data, with participants completing a baseline assessment and being randomized to MBCT-P/S or Health Education.
  • Baseline data revealed a diverse sample of veterans with a clinically severe profile, differing by condition on key suicide risk variables.
  • Recruitment was completed faster than anticipated, supporting recruitment feasibility for future studies.
  • Upcoming milestones include the completion of interventions, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up assessments, and a feasibility assessment of study retention by condition and therapist fidelity to MBCT-P/S.

Statistics:

  • 76 veterans were recruited for the study, reporting death or suicidal ideation and functional impairment from chronic pain.
  • The study aims to evaluate the impact of MBCT-P/S on pain and suicide risk outcomes in veterans.
  • 1-month follow-up assessments will evaluate treatment acceptability, while 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up assessments will evaluate pain, suicide risk, and other key clinical indicators.
  • The study will assess study retention by condition and therapist fidelity to MBCT-P/S, providing critical insights into conducting a fully-powered efficacy trial.

Sources:

  • Addressing chronic pain and suicide risk using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 2025:108105.
  • Lisham Ashrafioun, VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, 400 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua, NY 14424, United States.
  • NewsRx. New Findings in Suicide Described by Lisham Ashrafioun and Co-Researchers (Addressing chronic pain and suicide risk using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 130.