What are the reasons for requiring psychological treatment in chronic pain?

In general, the need for psychological treatment in chronic pain may be related to factors such as the connection between psychological emotions and chronic pain, chronic stress, sleep disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. The relationship between psychological emotions and chronic pain

Chronic pain is a subjective bodily sensation. Prolonged pain can weaken a patient's psychological resilience, leading to negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, thereby affecting their quality of daily life. Psychological therapy—such as supportive therapy, hypnosis and suggestion therapy, and relaxation techniques—can improve the patient's mental state, guide them to change maladaptive behavioral patterns, and help establish healthy coping strategies, thus alleviating pain.

2. Chronic stress

Chronic pain causes both physical and psychological distress, leaving patients in a prolonged state of tension and unease, resulting in chronic stress. Chronic stress can elevate inflammatory levels in the body and impair tissue repair capacity. Under the guidance of a psychological professional, patients can learn stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce chronic stress and alleviate pain.

3. Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders may arise from psychosocial factors, environmental influences, or physiological causes. Chronic pain itself can disrupt sleep, causing difficulties falling asleep or early morning awakening. Lack of sufficient sleep affects the brain’s regulation of pain, increasing pain sensitivity and creating a vicious cycle. Symptoms such as daytime drowsiness and difficulty concentrating may also occur. Medications such as zopiclone tablets, zolpidem tartrate tablets, or sulpiride tablets may be used as directed by a physician for treatment.

4. Depressive disorders

Depressive disorders may result from biological and genetic factors, negative emotional states, or cognitive patterns. Chronic pain can affect the brain's emotional regulation centers, triggering depressive symptoms. Depression may lead to imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain, lowering the pain threshold and making patients more sensitive to pain. Common symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, and reduced energy. Medications such as imipramine hydrochloride tablets, amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, or doxepin hydrochloride tablets should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders may be caused by social and environmental factors, personality traits, or genetic predispositions. Chronic pain often places patients in a persistent state of stress, giving rise to anxiety. Patients with anxiety disorders may remain in a state of high tension, causing continuous activation of the body’s stress response system, which intensifies the perception of pain. Symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and trembling may also occur. Under medical supervision, medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, escitalopram oxalate tablets, or venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules may be used for treatment.

Routine engagement in psychological therapy, learning proper coping skills, and enhancing stress management abilities can significantly improve quality of life.