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.