A study published in The Lancet reveals that psychological treatments, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can physically change brain activity patterns to reduce chronic pain. When researchers analyzed multiple small studies together, they found clear evidence that changing automatic thought patterns through therapy affects the brain’s default mode network, which interacts with networks linked to pain and emotions. This explains how psychological treatments work beyond just distracting patients or helping them cope mentally with pain, showing actual physical changes in pain processing. While there aren’t enough psychologists to treat all chronic pain sufferers, doctors, physiotherapists, and nurses can guide patients toward pain-relieving thought patterns, and some patients may benefit from CBT-based apps. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for the one in five adults affected by chronic pain conditions for which medication isn’t always effective.
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