BUSM’s Otis Receives Grant to Study an Intensive Pain and PTSD Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) have resulted in a growing number of injured soldiers who have been evacuated to the United States for comprehensive care related to both physical and psychological trauma, most commonly pain and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These disorders tend to occur together and result in high levels of distressing symptoms.

John D. Otis, PhD, a BUSM Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychologist at VA Boston Healthcare System and has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rehabilitation, Research and Development Service to investigate the efficacy of an intensive, integrated three-week psychological treatment for OEF/OIF Veterans who have both pain and PTSD. The study goals are consistent with the VA National Pain Management Strategy, which assures that all persons cared for in the VA healthcare system can reliably count on prompt and appropriate treatment of pain.

“It is imperative to develop effective, time-efficient treatments for these disorders before they become chronic and resistant to change. This study ultimately aims to help OEF/OIF Veterans who are suffering socially, vocationally, and personally due to their pain and PTSD symptoms and aims to help Veterans return quickly to a more adaptive, healthy daily life,” said Otis.

A total of 102 OEF/OIF Veterans with co-morbid pain and PTSD will be recruited for participation over the next three years from the VA Boston and VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems.