Have you ever been afflicted by a physical pain without any apparent cause? Or have you noticed that your mood affects your pain threshold? Our experience of pain is a complex phenomenon that is not limited only to the physical senses.
Factors like stress, anxiety e depression they can have a significant impact on how we perceive and react to pain.
Read on to find out how psychology plays a vital role in this whole process.
Psychophysical connections
The perception of pain is strongly influenced by ours mental and emotional states. For example, the brain can amplify signs of pain if the person is in a state of anxiety elevated or depressive.
This does not mean that the pain is imaginary; rather, the way it is experienced is filtered through the psychological experiences of the person.
The role of emotions
The emotions like theanxiety and the depression can exacerbate the perception of pain. An anxious individual may be more likely to perceive pain more acute because of hypersensitivity of his nervous system.
It’s a vicious cycle where pain can cause emotional stresswhich in turn can amplify the pain.
The cognitive component
Our expectations e beliefs regarding pain play a central role in its perception. For example, if you believe that a certain type of pain should be unbearableit is very likely that you will perceive it that way.
The beliefs negative they can be particularly harmful in this context.
Strategies for managing psychogenic pain
Dealing with psychogenic pain requires an approach holistic. The cognitive-behavioral therapies (TCC) are an effective method to help people change their perceptions of pain.
The use of techniques such as meditation e relaxation can help reduce physical and emotional tensions.
Furthermore, the social support plays an important role. Have one support network composed of friends and family can reduce feelings of isolation and motivate the person to follow a treatment plan.
