Older Adults Needed To Study Treatments For Chronic Lower Back Pain And Depression

Main Category: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Also Included In: Back Pain;  Seniors / Aging;  Depression
Article Date: 06 Apr 2011 - 8:00 PDT


To help older adults living with low back pain and depression, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Late Life Depression Program, affiliated with the Aging Institute of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, are seeking participants for a clinical trial that will study the effectiveness of medication combined with counseling.

All participants must be 60 years or older with low back pain that has lasted for at least three months and symptoms of depression, including low motivation, irritability, insomnia, anxiety and social isolation. Up to 25 percent of older adults suffer from both low back pain and depression at the same time, leading to physical inactivity and loss of independence.

Participants in the study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, will receive a thorough evaluation of low back pain, other medical conditions and mood. They must agree to take the study medication - an antidepressant with pain relief properties - and, if assigned, be an active participant in counseling sessions. This brief counseling teaches problem-solving skills specific to managing pain, mood, sleep and other problems commonly experienced by seniors living with these linked conditions.

The research team works closely with each participant's primary care physician. Participants may continue to take currently prescribed analgesics, such as Motrin, Tylenol and narcotics, but they cannot start any new pain medications or other treatments for their pain during the study.

The study medication and other interventions are provided at no cost. Participants can receive up to $130 to defray the cost of transportation if all study visits are completed.

According to Jordan F. Karp, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the principal investigator of the study, "Low back pain and depression are common, make each other worse and appear to respond to similar treatments. Our goal is to improve the lives of seniors living with these linked conditions so they can enjoy their golden years."

Source:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

• Additional
• References
• Citations