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3w ago

Study Confirms Emotional Brain Retraining Reduces Chronic Pain

Peer-reviewed findings reveal Pain and Emotion Therapy significantly alleviates pain and emotional distress, with a larger trial set for 2026.

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A new study shows that building skills to regulate our emotions can significantly reduce the intensity of chronic pain
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The authors say the results could lead to new ways of treating chronic pain, emphasising the profound impact of emotional health on physical wellbeing. Credit: Neuroscience News

Overview

  • Researchers from UNSW and NeuRA have published results in JAMA Network Open showing Pain and Emotion Therapy reduces pain intensity and improves emotional health.
  • The randomized controlled trial of 89 participants demonstrated meaningful reductions in emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues after nine weeks, with pain intensity improvements sustained at six months.
  • Pain and Emotion Therapy uses eight weekly Zoom sessions, supported by an app and handbook, to teach emotion-regulation, mindfulness, and distress-tolerance skills.
  • The therapy builds on 2021 research linking chronic pain to reduced GABA levels in the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to emotional distress and pain overactivity.
  • A larger trial with over 300 participants, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, is planned for 2026, with participant recruitment now open.