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Hedman-Lagerlöf M, Gasslander N, Ahnlund Hoffmann A, Bragesjö M, Etzell A, Ezra S, Frostell E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Ivert C, Liliequist B, Ljótsson B, Hoppe JM, Palmgren J, Spansk E, Sundström F, Särnholm J, Tzavara G, Buhrman M, Axelsson E. Effect of exposure-based vs traditional cognitive behavior therapy for fibromyalgia: a two-site single-blind randomized controlled trial. Pain 2024; 165:1278-1288. [PMID: 38131181 PMCID: PMC11090030 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Fibromyalgia is a debilitating pain condition for which treatment effects are typically modest. The most evaluated psychological treatment is traditional cognitive behavior therapy (T-CBT), but promising effects have recently been seen in exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy (Exp-CBT). We investigated whether Exp-CBT was superior to T-CBT in a randomized controlled trial. Self-referred participants with fibromyalgia (N = 274) were randomized (1:1) to 10 weeks of Exp-CBT or T-CBT. Treatments were delivered online and presented as "CBT for fibromyalgia." Participants were assessed at baseline, weekly during treatment, posttreatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome was the difference in reduction in fibromyalgia severity as measured using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) over 11 assessment points from baseline to posttreatment, modelled within an intention-to-treat framework using linear mixed effects models fitted on multiple imputed data. Approximately 91% of weekly FIQ scores were collected over the main phase. There was no significant difference between Exp-CBT and T-CBT in the mean reduction of fibromyalgia severity from pretreatment to posttreatment (b = 1.3, 95% CI -3.0 to 5.7, P = 0.544, d = -0.10). Minimal clinically important improvement was seen 60% in Exp-CBT vs 59% in T-CBT. Effects were sustained up to 12 months posttreatment. This well-powered randomized trial indicated that Exp-CBT was not superior to T-CBT for fibromyalgia. Both treatments were associated with a marked reduction in fibromyalgia severity, and the online treatment format might be of high clinical utility. T-CBT can still be regarded a reference standard treatment that remains clinically relevant when compared to novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Gasslander
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alice Ahnlund Hoffmann
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Bragesjö
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amanda Etzell
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Simon Ezra
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elsa Frostell
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Gustavsberg Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ivert
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Liliequist
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna M. Hoppe
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josefin Palmgren
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Edward Spansk
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Felicia Sundström
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josefin Särnholm
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Georgia Tzavara
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Buhrman
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Umberger W, Wilson M. Translating the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model into Nursing Practice. Pain Manag Nurs 2024; 25:1-3. [PMID: 38212091 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Umberger
- Kent State University, College of Nursing, Kent, Ohio, US.
| | - Marian Wilson
- Washington State University, College of Nursing, Washington, Spokane, US
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Paschali M, Lazaridou A, Sadora J, Papianou L, Garland EL, Zgierska AE, Edwards RR. Mindfulness-based Interventions for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin J Pain 2024; 40:105-113. [PMID: 37942696 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to compile existing evidence examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). CLBP leads to millions of disabled individuals in the United States each year. Current pharmacologic treatments are only modestly effective and may present long-term safety issues. MBIs, which have an excellent safety profile, have been shown in prior studies to be effective in treating CLBP yet remained underutilized. DESIGN Ovid/Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pilot RCTs, and single-arm studies that explored the effectiveness of MBIs in CLBP. METHODS Separate searches were conducted to identify trials that evaluated MBIs in reducing pain intensity in individuals with CLBP. A meta-analysis was then performed using R v3.2.2, Metafor package v 1.9-7. RESULTS Eighteen studies used validated patient-reported pain outcome measures and were therefore included in the meta-analysis. The MBIs included mindfulness meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, meditation-cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based care for chronic pain, self-compassion course, and loving-kindness course. Pain intensity scores were reported using a numerical rating scale (0 to 10) or an equivalent scale. The meta-analysis revealed that MBIs have a beneficial effect on pain intensity with a large-sized effect in adults with CLBP. CONCLUSIONS MBIs seem to be beneficial in reducing pain intensity. Although these results were informative, findings should be carefully interpreted due to the limited data the high variability in study methodologies, small sample sizes, inclusion of studies with high risk of bias, and reliance on pre-post treatment differences with no attention to maintenance of effects. More large-scale RCTs are needed to provide reliable effect size estimates for MBIs in persons with CLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrella Paschali
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital
| | - Asimina Lazaridou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital
- Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA
| | | | - Lauren Papianou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital
| | - Eric L Garland
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Aleksandra E Zgierska
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine, Public Health Sciences, and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Robert R Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital
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Yarns BC, Molaie AM, Lumley MA, Zhu TA, Jazi AN, Ganz DA, Melrose RJ. Video telehealth emotional awareness and expression therapy for older U.S. military veterans with chronic pain: A pilot study. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:136-148. [PMID: 36541672 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2159909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) targets trauma and emotional conflict to reduce or eliminate chronic pain, but video telehealth administration is untested. This uncontrolled pilot assessed acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of group-based video telehealth EAET (vEAET) for older veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS Twenty veterans were screened, and 16 initiated vEAET, delivered as one 60-minute individual session and eight 90-minute group sessions. Veterans completed posttreatment satisfaction ratings and pain severity (primary outcome), pain interference, anxiety, depression, functioning, social connectedness, shame, and anger questionnaires at baseline, posttreatment, and 2-month follow-up. RESULTS Satisfaction was high, and veterans attended 7.4 (SD = 0.6) of 8 group sessions; none discontinued treatment. Veterans attained significant, large reductions in pain severity from baseline to posttreatment (p < .001, Hedges' g = -1.54) and follow-up (p < .001, g = -1.20); 14 of 16 achieved clinically significant (≥ 30%) pain reduction, and 3 achieved 90-100% pain reduction. Secondary outcomes demonstrated significant, medium-to-large improvements. CONCLUSIONS In this small sample, vEAET produced better attendance, similar benefits, and fewer dropouts than in-person EAET in prior studies. Larger, controlled trials are needed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Group vEAET appears feasible and highly effective for older veterans with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Yarns
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ali M Molaie
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tongtong A Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ali Najafian Jazi
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David A Ganz
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca J Melrose
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
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Carlson DM, Yarns BC. Managing medical and psychiatric multimorbidity in older patients. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231195274. [PMID: 37663084 PMCID: PMC10469275 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231195274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging increases susceptibility both to psychiatric and medical disorders through a variety of processes ranging from biochemical to pharmacologic to societal. Interactions between aging-related brain changes, emotional and psychological symptoms, and social factors contribute to multimorbidity - the presence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual - which requires a more patient-centered, holistic approach than used in traditional single-disease treatment guidelines. Optimal treatment of older adults with psychiatric and medical multimorbidity necessitates an appreciation and understanding of the links between biological, psychological, and social factors - including trauma and racism - that underlie physical and psychiatric multimorbidity in older adults, all of which are the topic of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brandon C. Yarns
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Bldg. 401, Rm. A236, Mail Code 116AE, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bułdyś K, Górnicki T, Kałka D, Szuster E, Biernikiewicz M, Markuszewski L, Sobieszczańska M. What Do We Know about Nociplastic Pain? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1794. [PMID: 37372912 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a recently distinguished type of pain, distinct from neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and is well described in the literature. It is often mistaken for central sensitization. Pathophysiology has not been clearly established with regard to alteration of the concentration of spinal fluid elements, the structure of the white and gray matter of the brain, and psychological aspects. Many different diagnostic tools, i.e., the painDETECT and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaires, have been developed to diagnose neuropathic pain, but they can also be applied for nociplastic pain; however, more standardized instruments are still needed in order to assess its occurrence and clinical presentation. Numerous studies have shown that nociplastic pain is present in many different diseases such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome type 1, and irritable bowel syndrome. Current pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for nociceptive and neuropathic pain are not entirely suitable for treating nociplastic pain. There is an ongoing effort to establish the most efficient way to manage it. The significance of this field has led to several clinical trials being carried out in a short time. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss the currently available evidence on pathophysiology, associated diseases, treatment possibilities, and clinical trials. It is important that physicians widely discuss and acknowledge this relatively new concept in order to provide optimized pain control for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Bułdyś
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland
| | - Tomasz Górnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kałka
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
- Men's Health Centre in Wrocław, 53-151 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Szuster
- Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Leszek Markuszewski
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland
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Yarns BC, Zhu TA, Najafian Jazi A. Chronic Pain in Older Adults: A Neuroscience-Based Psychological Assessment and Treatment Approach. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:1342-1350. [PMID: 35999127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains a serious healthcare challenge, particularly for older adults who suffer substantial disability and are susceptible to serious risks from pain medications and invasive procedures. Psychotherapy is a promising option for older adults with chronic pain, since it does not contribute to medical or surgical risks. However, standard psychotherapies for chronic pain, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, produce only modest and time-limited benefits for older adults. In this article, we describe a novel, evidence-based psychological assessment and treatment approach for older adults with chronic pain, including a detailed case example. The approach begins with reviewing patients' pain, psychosocial, and medical histories to elicit evidence of a subtype of chronic pain called centralized (primary, nociplastic, or psychophysiologic) pain, which is highly influenced and may even be caused by life stress, emotions, and alterations in brain function. Patients then undertake a novel psychotherapy approach called emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) that aims to reduce or eliminate centralized pain by resolving trauma and emotional conflicts and learning healthy communication of adaptive emotions. Our published preliminary clinical trial (n = 53) indicated that EAET produced statistically significant and large effect size advantages over CBT in pain reduction and marginally greater improvements in pain interference than CBT for older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Geriatric mental healthcare providers may learn this assessment and treatment approach to benefit many of their patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Yarns
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health (BCY,TAZ,ANJ), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine (BCY,TAZ,ANJ), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Tongtong A Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health (BCY,TAZ,ANJ), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine (BCY,TAZ,ANJ), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ali Najafian Jazi
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health (BCY,TAZ,ANJ), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine (BCY,TAZ,ANJ), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
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Lazaridou A, Paschali M, Vilsmark ES, Edwards RR. Biofeedback EMG alternative therapy for chronic low back pain: Study protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 121:106888. [PMID: 35988661 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain affects about 100 million U.S. adults, with chronic low back pain (CLBP) cited as the most prevalent type. Although there is evidence that non-pharmacological therapies seem to be effective for treating low back pain, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of EMG biofeedback with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). The purpose of this study is, therefore, to determine the efficacy of a portable EMG biofeedback device on pain in individuals with CLBP. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a prospective, single-center, assessor-blind, two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial to be conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Eighty patients with CLBP will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive sEMG-BF (surface EMG biofeedback) or continued care (no intervention). All participants will receive treatment virtually weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory). The secondary outcomes will include pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory), disability (The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this study will be the first powered randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of a virtual sEMG-BF protocol specifically designed for CLBP. The outcome of the study may provide evidence for the effectiveness of biofeedback using digital therapeutics to relieve pain in individuals with CLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials Registry (http://ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04607460). Registered on October 29, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Lazaridou
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, USA
| | - Myrella Paschali
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, USA.
| | - Eric S Vilsmark
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, USA
| | - Robert R Edwards
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, USA
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At the Intersection of Anger, Chronic Pain, and the Brain: A Mini-Review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104558. [PMID: 35122780 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains one of the most persistent healthcare challenges in the world. To advance pain treatment, experts have recently introduced research-driven subtypes of chronic pain based on proposed underlying mechanisms. Nociplastic pain (e.g., nonspecific chronic low back or fibromyalgia) is one such subtype which may involve a greater etiologic role for brain plasticity, painful emotions induced by life stress and trauma, and unhealthy emotion regulation. In particular, correlational and behavioral data link anger and the ways anger is regulated with the presence and severity of nociplastic pain. Functional neuroimaging studies also suggest nociplastic pain and healthy anger regulation demonstrate inverse patterns of activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala; thus, improving anger regulation could normalize activity in these regions. In this Mini-Review, we summarize these findings and propose a unified, biobehavioral model called the Anger, Brain, and Nociplastic Pain (AB-NP) Model, which can be tested in future research and may advance pain care by informing new treatments that address anger, anger regulation, and brain plasticity for nociplastic pain.
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