Managing Emotions May Hold Key to Easing Chronic Pain

Quick Summary

• Researchers have developed a therapeutic adaptation of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) that incorporates mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance to address chronic pain.
• Chronic pain is described as both sensory and emotional, significantly linked to heightened levels of anxiety and depression in approximately 80% of affected individuals.
• A study involving 89 participants with an average chronic pain duration of 16 years compared an eight-week online DBT-based program delivered by therapists against usual care methods like medication or physiotherapy.
• Results showed improved emotional regulation scores for the therapy group after nine weeks (5-point improvement out of 90). By week 21, participants experienced notable reductions in both the intensity and impact of their pain compared to the control group.
• The internet-based delivery format was praised for accessibility benefits as many regions lack adequate therapy providers-especially rural areas-and could further benefit underserved populations.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The findings on using emotion-focused online therapies to alleviate chronic pain carry potential importance for India. Chronic ailments, including persistent joint pains or post-injury complications, are common in India among urban and rural populations alike. emotional health issues linked to long-term physical suffering often go untreated due to stigma surrounding mental health care or limited access to psychological services outside major cities.

The remote delivery model highlighted here could serve as a blueprint for addressing these gaps. It leverages technology-a resource increasingly accessible across India-to provide cost-effective interventions tailored to conditions that intertwine physical and emotional wellbeing. Moreover, scaling such initiatives could complement India’s workforce-focused healthcare strategies by improving the quality of life among patients tied down by debilitating conditions.

If adopted on larger scales through public-private partnerships within India’s sprawling telehealth ecosystem, it may bring more inclusive relief options specifically benefitting underrepresented socio-economic groups where access remains minimal.