Struggle with feelings? It could worsen your pain

Difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions can amplify the disruptive effects of chronic pain on daily life, according to recent research. The study indicates that alexithymia, characterized by a struggle with emotional identification, indirectly exacerbates pain interference by increasing psychological distress.

Researchers observed that elevated alexithymia levels in individuals with chronic pain were associated with more severe pain, greater physical interference in daily activities, and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. This suggests that challenges in emotional processing are a risk factor that contributes to worsening pain outcomes, rather than being a consequence of the pain itself.

The findings underscore the importance of addressing psychological distress, particularly anxiety and depression, in chronic pain treatment. Targeting these aspects, especially for individuals who find it difficult to identify and express their feelings, may lead to improved long-term pain management and quality of life.