What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Psychological techniques for managing chronic pain, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mind-body therapies (e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction), generally have minimal side effects compared to pharmacologic treatments. However, some individuals may experience temporary increases in emotional distress as they confront painful emotions or memories. Additionally, relaxation techniques can occasionally lead to relaxation-induced panic in some patients. Overall, these therapies are considered safe and are often recommended as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

Psychological techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) are widely used to manage chronic pain by addressing stress and emotions. While these techniques do not require FDA approval, they are often combined with pharmacologic treatments. Common FDA-approved drugs for chronic pain include antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine), which help reduce pain and associated symptoms like depression and anxiety. Antiepileptic drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin are also used to manage the pain component, facilitating the effectiveness of psychological therapies.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Pain Psychology Class for chronic pain patients include: 1) Biofeedback-assisted relaxation, which has shown effectiveness in reducing pain. 2) Guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, which have been effective in pain reduction and symptom management. 3) Mindfulness-based interventions, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which help in self-regulation and stress management. 4) Complementary therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy, which can provide additional pain relief and improve overall well-being.

← Back to Search

Behavioral Intervention

Online Pain Management Class for Chronic Pain

Q: What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Psychological techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) are common treatments for chronic pain that focus on altering the patient's perception and response to pain. CBT helps patients reframe negative thoughts and develop coping strategies, reducing the emotional distress associated with pain. MBSR uses mindfulness practices to increase awareness and acceptance of pain, which can decrease stress and improve pain tolerance. PNE educates patients about the neurophysiological processes of pain, helping to reduce fear and anxiety. These approaches are important for chronic pain patients as they address the psychological and emotional components of pain, which can significantly impact overall pain experience and quality of life.

Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by Stanford University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change from baseline to 1-month follow-up (with secondary 2-month follow-up)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves an online class for people with chronic pain. The class teaches how stress and emotions can affect pain and offers strategies to manage these factors. Participants provide feedback to assess the class's impact.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals who have been experiencing chronic pain for more than three months and can access the internet. Participants should be fluent in English and able to understand and engage with the study material. People involved in legal action or disability claims, those with cognitive impairments, or non-English speakers are not eligible.

What is being tested?

The trial involves a single 2-hour online class called 'Pain, Stress & Emotions' designed to help people manage chronic pain. Participants will complete surveys before the class, immediately after, and then at intervals of 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-class to measure its effectiveness.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention is educational rather than medical or pharmaceutical in nature, traditional side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort or fatigue during or after discussing their experiences with pain.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change from baseline to 1-month follow-up (with secondary 2-month follow-up)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change from baseline to 1-month follow-up (with secondary 2-month follow-up)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from baseline to 1-month follow-up (with secondary 2-month follow-up) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Pain Intensity NRS

Secondary study objectives

Ambivalence over Emotional Expression (AEQ)

Emotion-Approach Coping

Pain Bothersomeness

+8 more

Other study objectives

Pain

Pain Catastrophizing Scores; measured with Pain Catastrophizing Scale

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Pain, Stress, & Emotions ClassExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

No active or placebo comparator will be used. This is a single-arm study design.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Pain, Stress and Emotions

2021

Completed Early Phase 1

~80

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Psychological techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) are common treatments for chronic pain that focus on altering the patient's perception and response to pain. CBT helps patients reframe negative thoughts and develop coping strategies, reducing the emotional distress associated with pain. MBSR uses mindfulness practices to increase awareness and acceptance of pain, which can decrease stress and improve pain tolerance. PNE educates patients about the neurophysiological processes of pain, helping to reduce fear and anxiety. These approaches are important for chronic pain patients as they address the psychological and emotional components of pain, which can significantly impact overall pain experience and quality of life.

Pathophysiologic Approach to Pain Therapy for Complex Pain Entities: A Narrative Review.