A new study conducted by UCLA Health and the US Veterans Affairs Office has revealed promising results for chronic pain management through emotional-focused psychotherapy. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that a novel approach called Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) significantly outperforms traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing chronic pain among veterans.
The comprehensive study involved 126 veterans, predominantly male and aged 60-95, all experiencing musculoskeletal pain for at least three months. Approximately one-third of the participants also had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The investigation compared EAET with CBT through a nine-week program combining individual and group sessions.
Breakthrough Results in Pain Management
The findings were remarkable: 63% of veterans who underwent EAET reported clinically significant pain reduction, with results maintaining stability six months post-treatment. In contrast, only 17% of participants in the CBT group achieved similar pain reduction levels. This stark difference challenges the long-held position of CBT as the primary psychotherapeutic approach for chronic pain management in veterans.
Understanding EAET's Innovative Approach
EAET, which has been developing over the past decade, takes a distinct approach from traditional pain management therapies. Rather than focusing primarily on cognitive restructuring and behavioral modification, EAET emphasizes emotional awareness and expression. The therapy helps participants understand the stress response's impact on their body and encourages them to fully experience and process their emotions instead of avoiding them.
Comprehensive Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
The study revealed additional benefits for EAET participants beyond pain management. Veterans receiving this therapy reported improvements in:
- PTSD symptoms
- Anxiety levels
- Depression
- Overall life satisfaction
Broader Implications for Pain Treatment
While this study focused primarily on older male veterans, previous research suggests EAET's effectiveness extends to younger female chronic pain patients as well. This broader applicability positions EAET as a potentially valuable tool in comprehensive pain management strategies.
The research underscores the increasingly recognized bidirectional relationship between psychological and physical well-being. It highlights the importance of incorporating multiple therapeutic approaches – cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical – in treating chronic pain conditions.
These findings represent a significant advancement in pain management strategies, particularly for the veteran population, where chronic pain remains a prevalent issue. The success of EAET in this study opens new possibilities for treating chronic pain through emotional processing and expression, potentially reducing reliance on traditional pain management approaches alone.
