Psychosocial Treatment for Women With Depression and Pain

University of Rochester60 enrolled

Overview

Patients with depression and pain have poorer outcomes in response to depression treatments than depressed patients without pain. While psychotherapy treatment studies have demonstrated improvement in pain and depression, no psychosocial interventions have been developed and tested prospectively specifically for patients with both conditions. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), an effective treatment for depression, has been adapted successfully for physically ill patients and demonstrates good adherence, treatment satisfaction, and depression outcomes. The investigators propose to test a modified form of IPT-P for depressed patients with co-morbid pain.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pelvic Pain Depression

Interventions

IPT-P focuses on improving relationships as a way to improve depression and pain. The patient and therapist work together to improve communication and enhance relationships and social support. Patients choose a problem focus and goal related to both their pain and depression. Up to 8 IPT-P sessions are provided regardless of ability to pay.

Enhanced Support and Connection to CounselingBEHAVIORAL

Research staff connect patients with the Strong Family Therapy Services, Women's Behavioral Health Service, or other appropriate mental health care and reduce potential barriers from making it to the initial appointment. This support includes navigating insurance issues, addressing issues of childcare and transportation, helping to schedule the initial appointment, reminder calls, and follow-up after the scheduled intake. Research staff will also check-in monthly to see if the patients require any additional support to remain in mental health treatment. Up to 8 therapy sessions are covered regardless of ability to pay.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 50 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * major depression * chronic pelvic pain Exclusion Criteria: * current or past psychosis * moderate mental retardation or greater * active suicidal intent * active abuse of non-prescribed substances (\< 3 months) * current individual psychotherapy * current pregnancy * terminal illness * inability to communicate in English * men

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

A self-report measure BDI and a clinician measure HRSD will evaluate depression severity. These measures are standards in primary care depression trials and in pain studies and have demonstrated sensitivity to detect changes in depress

Time frame: 0, 12 wks, 24 wks, 36 wks