Hybrid emotion-focused exposure for chronic pain

A chronic pain problem is characterized by suffering in the form of distress.  Despite the fact that the co-occurrence of distress and pain is strongly related to poor outcomes, there is no treatment-of-choice currently available.  This project investigates the use of a hybrid treatment consisting of exposure techniques for pain-related fear and negative emotions.  In addition, it features discrimination training to ensure that the patient's responses are in tune with environmental demands.  The treatment is being tested and evaluated in controlled studies.

Publication

Linton, S.J. (2010). Applying dialectical behavior therapy to chronic pain: A case study, Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 1(1), 50-54