pain Archives - Beth Darnall, PhD

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 Beth Darnall|2019-04-02T15:18:25-07:00May 5th, 2018|

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

TIME Features Science-Backed Pain & Stress Relief

Dr. Emma Seppälä and I were pleased to publish in Time Health "3 Science-backed Ways to Relieve Pain and Stress"! We focus on natural, empowering relief techniques that can help you feel better. Stress and pain are inevitable parts of life. As many as 1 in 3 individuals lives with ongoing pain, and everyone is likely to experience it at some point in their life. While you cannot always control what happens to you, you can [...]

By Beth Darnall|2019-04-02T15:18:26-07:00August 9th, 2017|

Using Psychology to Help People Have Less Pain After Surgery

At the Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, one of our active research studies is focused on how to help prepare people who are heading to surgery. We are equipping them with the information and skills they can use to reduce their own distress and discomfort after surgery. Ideally, this helps people need less pain medication. The program is called "My Surgical Success," and we are testing in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer at Stanford [...]

By Beth Darnall|2019-04-02T15:18:28-07:00December 20th, 2016|

Insurance Restricts Opioids – Now What for Pain?

The National Pain Report publishes a feature interview to address the question - what happens after opioids are limited or stopped? Patients with chronic pain are being unfairly punished for the actions of addicts. And, importantly: how do we treat pain differently? Beth Darnall, Ph.D. addresses all of these questions and more. Read the article here.

By Beth Darnall|2019-03-23T11:54:59-07:00May 24th, 2016|

Feature Interview with Pain Pathways Magazine – Less Pain, Fewer Pills

I was honored to be interviewed by Pain Pathways Magazine about Less Pain, Fewer Pills: Avoid the dangers of prescription opioids and gain control over chronic pain (Bull Publishing). Though Less Pain, Fewer Pills published almost 2 years ago, today it is more relevant than ever. In a climate of opioid restrictions, people with pain need alternatives. And, even if opioids are part of your medical plan, the book teaches you ways to reduce their own pain [...]

By Beth Darnall|2019-03-23T12:05:52-07:00April 19th, 2016|

3/24 Pain Psychology Twitter Chat hosted by Stanford – Join us! #PainPsychChat

Join myself, the American Pain Society (@AmericanPainSoc), the American Academy of Pain Management (@AAPainManage) and others at the Pain Psychology Twitter Chat hosted by the Stanford Division of Pain Medicine (@StanfordPain)! Bring your questions, your experience, and add your voice to the conversation. Come learn about the role of psychology in the experience of pain and in the treatment of pain. Follow @StanfordPain, @AmericanPainSoc, and @AAPainManage and use the hashtag #PainPsychChat to participate in the chat!

By Beth Darnall|2019-03-23T12:02:46-07:00March 14th, 2016|

Pain Psychology Boldly Takes A Seat At The Table

AN HISTORIC MOMENT FOR PAIN PSYCHOLOGY Pain Psychology made history this weekend at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) in Palm Springs, CA. The inaugural AAPM Pain Psychology Shared Interest Group (SIG) meeting took place with strong support from the AAPM leadership, including immediate past President Bill McCarberg, MD, and the 2016 AAPM President Dan Carr, MD. The Pain Psychology SIG is co-chaired by myself, Dr. Judith Scheman and Dr. Sean Mackey (Past [...]

By Beth Darnall|2018-12-15T15:24:59-08:00February 22nd, 2016|

Pain Psychology: A Global Needs Assessment and National Call to Action

In late January 2016, Pain Medicine published the article "Pain Psychology: A Global Needs Assessment and National Call to Action." The article is a report of the national needs for pain psychology services, resources, and education across 6 key stakeholder groups in the U.S.: individuals with chronic pain, psychologist/therapists, pain physicians, primary care physicians and physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and directors of psychology graduate training programs. The study was spearheaded by the American Academy of Pain Medicine's [...]

By Beth Darnall|2019-03-23T11:59:54-07:00January 25th, 2016|

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