Learning to Manage Negative Emotions Could Help Ease Chronic Pain
Some people live with pain for years or even decades
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Chronic pain is not just a physical sensation; it is deeply intertwined with emotions such as anxiety and depression. According to Nell Norman-Nott, a researcher at the University of New South Wales, Australia, up to 80% of individuals with chronic pain experience heightened levels of emotional distress, creating a cycle where pain exacerbates negative emotions, which in turn worsen the pain.
In an effort to break this cycle, Norman-Nott and her team explored the effectiveness of a therapy program based on dialectical behavioural therapy. This form of therapy, which incorporates elements of mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, showed promising results in relieving ongoing discomfort in individuals with chronic pain.
The study involved 89 participants with an average chronic pain duration of 16 years. They were randomly assigned to either receive the therapy program through an eight-week online session with a therapist or continue their existing treatments such as medication or physiotherapy.
After nine weeks, the group that underwent therapy demonstrated a significant improvement in emotional regulation compared to the control group. Furthermore, their pain intensity began to decrease by week 9 and continued to show significant improvement by week 21.
Dr. Benedict Alter from the University of Pittsburgh views these findings as promising, particularly for individuals with limited access to in-person therapy. The online delivery of the program could address the scarcity of mental health providers in certain areas, making it more accessible to those in need.
While the exact mechanism through which the therapy reduces pain remains unclear, Dr. Alter suggests that enhanced emotional regulation can lead to overall improvements in quality of life for individuals with chronic pain. Further research in larger studies could help elucidate this mechanism and its potential implications.
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