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    Digital Health Intervention Associated with Less Need for Opioids After Surgery

    Results from our newly published randomized controlled study show that patients who engaged with “My Surgical Success,” a fully automated online pain treatment program, stopped opioids sooner after breast cancer surgery than patients assigned to a control intervention. The study was published in Pain Medicine (Darnall et al, 2019). This finding is important because it suggests that a low-cost, scalable, digital treatment may help patients effectively self-manage symptoms and enhance recovery after surgery. Our study is [...]

    By |2021-03-16T12:08:15-07:00May 14th, 2019|
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    My “Nature” Editorial – What’s Needed in Pain Research and Care

    I was pleased to be invited by Nature to give my thoughts on what is needed in pain research and care ("To treat pain, study people in all their complexity"). Too often, the person is forgotten while the symptom is treated. Our systems must account for the individual variability in the experience and treatment of pain, and to address the unique needs of each person. Psychology is fundamental to the experience of pain, regardless of the [...]

    By |2019-04-02T15:18:25-07:00May 5th, 2018|
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    O Magazine and Washington Post interviews on opioids

    The April 2018 issue of O Magazine includes a few of my comments in an article that addresses addiction risks for opioids ("Why prescription opioids are so addictive" by Peg Rosen). What's not stated in this article is my belief that opioids can and do help some people living with chronic pain. This is a nuanced issue that requires individual consideration and treatment planning. Right now the national focus is on opioid risks, and while I [...]

    By |2019-04-02T15:18:25-07:00April 15th, 2018|
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    “The Tao of Chronic Pain Relief” My feature in Jan/Feb 2018 issue

    I was honored when Stephen Kiesling, the editor of Spirituality & Health, asked me to contribute content on addressing chronic pain with psychological strategies for the magazine. I ended up having a lot to say, and compiled it into a 5-page feature for the Jan/Feb 2018 issue! In the feature I describe the role of psychology in the experience and treatment of pain, and most importantly -- how pain can serve as a useful teacher that guides [...]

    By |2019-04-02T15:18:26-07:00January 4th, 2018|
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    About Beth

    Beth Darnall, PhD, is an advocate for patient-centered pain care. She is a Stanford professor, pain scientist, international speaker, evidence-based psychologist, and author.

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