Psychological Therapies May Help Older Adults with Chronic Pain

A review published in JAMA Internal Medicine found psychological interventions have small benefits for older adults with chronic pain, reports HealthDay News . The researchers analyzed data from 22 studies with 2,608 participants, and noted differences of standardized mean differences at post-treatment for pain intensity, pain interference, depressive symptoms, anxiety, catastrophizing beliefs, self-efficacy, physical function, and physical health. For pain only, there was proof of effects continuing beyond post-treatment assessment. Only mode of therapy had a consistent impact in favor of group-based therapy in moderator analyses. "Psychological interventions for the treatment of chronic pain in older adults have small benefits, including reducing pain and catastrophizing beliefs and improving pain self-efficacy for managing pain," the team notes. "These results were strongest when delivered using group-based approaches. Research is needed to develop and test strategies that enhance the efficacy of psychological approaches and sustainability of treatment effects among older adults with chronic pain."