Understanding Chronic Pain and How a Clinical Psychologist Can Help
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often taking a toll not just on the body but also on mental health and quality of life. As Clinical Psychologists, we specialise in helping people navigate the challenges of chronic pain using evidence-based therapies. This post explores what chronic pain is, its prevalence, and how psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can make a real difference.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is typically defined as pain that lasts longer than three months or beyond the usual healing time for an injury. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for the body, chronic pain can persist without an identifiable cause, making it complex and difficult to treat.
Common conditions associated with chronic pain include arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and migraines. Beyond the physical discomfort, chronic pain often leads to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Key Facts and Incidence of Chronic Pain
Global Impact: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic pain affects around 20% of adults worldwide.
UK Statistics: In the UK, it is estimated that nearly 28 million adults live with chronic pain.
Mental Health Connection: Research indicates that individuals with chronic pain are at twice the risk of developing mood disorders compared to those without pain.
How Can a Clinical Psychologist Help?
Living with chronic pain is not just about managing physical symptoms—it’s also about addressing the psychological impact. Clinical psychologists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals develop coping strategies, improve their quality of life, and regain a sense of control.
Evidence-Based Therapies: CBT and ACT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most extensively researched therapies for chronic pain. It focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to pain-related distress.
What research says: A 2020 meta-analysis found that CBT significantly reduces pain intensity, emotional distress, and disability in individuals with chronic pain, with benefits that can persist for months after treatment.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that emphasises accepting pain rather than trying to eliminate it. The focus is on living a fulfilling life despite the presence of pain.
How it works:
Acceptance: Clients learn mindfulness techniques to observe their pain and related emotions without judgment or avoidance.
Values-Driven Action: Therapists help individuals identify core life values (e.g., family, career, hobbies) and take steps toward living in alignment with these values, even if pain is present.
Defusion from Painful Thoughts: ACT teaches individuals to "unhook" from thoughts like “I can’t be happy unless the pain is gone,” reducing their power to dominate one’s experience.
What research says: Studies show that ACT can improve pain acceptance, emotional well-being, and functional ability. A 2021 systematic review highlighted its effectiveness in reducing psychological distress in chronic pain patients.
Moving Forward with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain may feel overwhelming, but psychological therapies like CBT and ACT offer hope. By addressing the emotional and cognitive dimensions of pain, these approaches empower individuals to reclaim their lives alongside living with the pain. Whether you’re seeking relief from the mental strain of chronic pain or looking to reconnect with what matters most, a clinical psychologist can guide you toward meaningful change.
