Emotional Awareness Therapy for Chronic Pain in Older Adults - Health

Chronic pain is a significant issue among older adults, and new research suggests that emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) could be a beneficial approach to address this problem. EAET is a form of psychotherapy that targets past trauma and stress experienced by individuals with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) led a study comparing the effectiveness of EAET and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating chronic pain among older adults.

The study included over 120 veterans, mostly men aged 60-95 years, with musculoskeletal pain lasting at least three months. The findings, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, revealed that 63 percent of older adults receiving EAET experienced a significant reduction in pain, compared to only 17 percent of those undergoing CBT. Additionally, the benefits of EAET were found to be more long-lasting, with over 40 percent of participants still experiencing reduced pain six months after treatment, as opposed to 14 percent of those receiving CBT.

Moreover, older adults undergoing EAET treatment reported improvements in addressing psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lead author of the study, Brandon Yarns, emphasized that EAET helps individuals face difficult emotions with honesty and self-compassion, allowing them to release pent-up feelings of anger, pain, and guilt.

The study highlights the potential of EAET as a valuable intervention for chronic pain management and mental health improvement among older adults. By addressing past trauma and stress, this form of therapy can provide long-term relief and help individuals develop coping strategies to deal with personal challenges. As the population ages, the significance of effective treatments for chronic pain and psychological well-being cannot be overstated. It is essential to prioritize mental health care and explore innovative therapies like EAET to enhance the quality of life for older adults experiencing chronic pain conditions.