The Impact of Catastrophization and Emotions on Pain: A Narrative Review of Underlying Mechanisms - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #catastrophization
- #emotions
- #pain mechanisms
- Pain can become chronic and impair physical, cognitive, and social function.
- The biopsychosocial model acknowledges pain extends beyond biological factors, but psychosocial interventions are underused.
- Catastrophization and negative emotions increase pain sensitivity via heightened HPA axis and sympathetic activity, and reduce endogenous opioid pain resistance.
- Catastrophization uniquely increases attention to pain through connectivity between the salience and default mode neural networks.
- Positive emotions reduce pain by boosting parasympathetic activity and endogenous opioid release.
- Effective interventions include mindfulness, relaxation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and yoga.
- Clinical suggestions: assess coping strategies, identify at-risk individuals, and emphasize positive outcomes.