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Neurobiology of Pain in Burn Survivors
Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Summary
Many burn survivors experience persistent, disabling pain that is strongly influenced by pain catastrophizing, a pattern of negative cognitive and emotional responses to pain involving feelings of helplessness, rumination, and magnification of symptoms. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate whether an 6-week, remotely delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy program reduces pain interference (disruption to daily life) and pain catastrophizing more effectively than an 6-week pain education. Researchers also aim to identify the neurobiological mechanisms through which non-pharmacologic pain management works using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans.
Official title: Neurobiology of Pain in Burn Survivors: Identification and Targeting of a Critical Treatment Mechanism
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
92
Start Date
2027-01
Completion Date
2031-10
Last Updated
2026-09-22
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
An 6-week, remotely delivered behavioral intervention administered weekly via secure video conferencing by a trained psychologist (approximately 60 minutes per session). It utilizes active, structured techniques (such as relaxation, thought-stopping, distraction, and cognitive restructuring) along with in-vivo and home practice to target and reduce maladaptive pain-related cognitions (i.e., pain catastrophizing).
Pain Education
An 6-week, remotely delivered educational control intervention administered weekly via secure video conferencing by a trained psychologist (approximately 60 minutes per session). Matched for therapist contact time with the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy group, sessions cover standard pain-related topics (e.g., Gate-Control Theory, types of chronic pain, working with healthcare providers) without active skill-building components, handouts, or at-home practice.