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Perry M. Nicassio, Ph.D. - Biographical Sketch
Visiting Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David
Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Senior Research Scientist, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel
Institute for Neuroscience and Human
Behavior
Research Interests
Dr. Nicassio’s research has concentrated on the adjustment process in persons with chronic illness and the development and evaluation of behavioral interventions for persons with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, and sleep disturbance. Dr. Nicassio is the principal co-editor of the book, Managing Chronic Illness: A Biopsychosocial Approach, published by the American Psychological Association (1995). Much of his work has focused on the contribution of illness beliefs to depression and health outcomes in persons with autoimmune disorders such as RA and systemic lupus erythematosus. Dr. Nicassio’s past and present work in these areas has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Selected Current Research
Behavioral Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, AR049840
Principal Investigator
This research compares the efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy, Tai Chi Chih, an alternative medicine strategy focusing on slow-moving meditation, and education control in persons with RA. The study will investigate the effects of these interventions on measures of disease activity, health functioning, psychosocial adjustment, and immune system parameters. This research will also determine whether reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate the effects of CBT and TCC on such indices as joint pain and joint swelling.
Stress and Adaptation in Rheumatoid Arthritis (SARA)
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, AR41687
Co-Investigator
This clinical trial compares the efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy for depression, cognitive-behavior therapy for pain, and education control in RA. While previous research has demonstrated that behavioral interventions for pain have led to positive outcomes, this study addresses the key question of whether a behavioral intervention aimed at reducing mood disturbance will affect underlying inflammation, stress reactivity, and disease activity in RA. This research also examines the role of individual differences in stress reactivity in RA disease outcomes.
Selected
Recent Publications
Helplessness and loss as mediators between pain and depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia. Pain. 2007 May;129(1-2):185-94. Epub 2007 Mar 1.
Irwin MR, Cole JC, Nicassio PM.
Comparative meta-analysis of behavioral interventions for insomnia and their efficacy in middle-aged adults and in older adults 55+ years of age. Health Psychol. 2006 Jan;25(1):3-14. Review.
Young Casey C, Greenberg MA, Nicassio PM, Harpin RE, Hubbard D.
Transition from acute to chronic pain and disability: A model including cognitive, affective, and trauma factors. Pain. 2007 May 14; [Epub ahead of print]
Nicassio PM.
Pain coping and recovery from whiplash: new data on an important problem. Pain. 2006 Sep;124(1-2):3-4. Epub 2006 Apr 27. No abstract available.
Contact
Perry M. Nicassio, Ph.D.
Cousins Center for PNI
300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Rm. 3131
Box 957076
Los Angeles, CA. 90095-7076
Tel: 310-825-3141
Fax: 310-794-9247
pnicassio@mednet.ucla.edu