Bryant’s Trunzo leads Lyme-treatment study

SMITHFIELD – A Bryant University faculty member is leading a study on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) on people suffering from chronic Lyme disease.
The study, called project PILS – for Psychotherapy Intervention for Lyme Sufferers – offers 10 sessions of CBT to Lyme disease sufferers.
The research study was designed by Joseph Trunzo, associate professor of applied psychology at Bryant and a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in research and treatment of the psychological impact of chronic illness.
“Lyme disease is a complicated, confusing, and distressing illness, and one of the most rapidly growing infectious diseases in the country,” Trunzo said. “Although effective medical interventions are available, there are no formalized, empirically validated treatments for the psychological difficulties that can be caused by, or are related to, Lyme. Our goal is to examine whether CBT – which has been highly effective in helping people cope with depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of chronic illness – is appropriate treatment for chronic Lyme sufferers.” The study is co-sponsored by Bryant University and Providence Psychology Services. •