A randomized clinical trial is testing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pain and Suicide (MBCT-P/S) in 76 veterans who reported suicidal ideation and chronic pain. The therapy combines elements from two established programs, MBCT-Pain and MBCT-Suicide. Recruitment was completed faster than expected, supporting feasibility. Baseline data showed a diverse sample with clinically severe profiles differing by condition on key suicide risk variables. The trial will assess feasibility, treatment acceptability, and outcomes at 1, 3, and 6 months, including pain, suicide risk, retention, and therapist fidelity. Results will inform a future fully-powered efficacy trial.
Meditation programs offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) show promise for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in Veterans receiving mental health services. In an analysis of data from six VA sites involving 391 Veterans, meditation programs produced medium effect sizes compared to treatment as usual for PTSD severity measured by clinical interview and self-report. Similar benefits were seen for overall mindfulness and nonreactivity to inner experience. The type of meditation and program completion rates influenced the effects. Further research is needed to clarify where meditation training fits within mental health services and for whom it will be effective.