Introduction/Aim: Meditation has demonstrated efficacy for both chronic pain and depression independently, yet few studies have examined its effectiveness when both conditions are present concurrently. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation (SSM) in people living with chronic pain and depression.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing SSM with the Health Enhancement Program (HEP) in people living with chronic pain and moderate depressive symptoms. Patients were recruited from multiple primary to tertiary care sites in the Greater Toronto Area. Both 12-week programs were provided virtually in groups, SSM by certified meditation teachers, and HEP by trained healthcare professionals. Depressive symptoms (primary outcome) were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline, and 12 and 24 weeks later (FU1 and FU2). We calculated within- and between-group changes in PHQ-9 scores, adjusting for potential confounders (including age, gender, and ethnicity). A Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) method was used to adjust for repeated measures.

Results: Of 108 participants enrolled, 89 were randomized to the SSM (n=43) or HEP (n=46) group. Significant within-group mean difference in PHQ-9 scores from baseline were found for the SSM group at both FU1 [3.92 (95% CI 2.06, 5.78), p≤0.001] and FU2 [4.75 (95% CI 2.44, 7.07), p≤0.001]. Mean difference for HEP were significant only at FU1 [2.38 (95% CI 0.44, 4.31), p=0.017]. Between-group mean differences were not significant.

Discussion/Conclusion: The SSM group demonstrated prolonged statistically significant improvements in depressive symptoms. Future studies are needed to assess implementation of SSM in clinical.