The effects and mechanisms of psychological treatments

for pain management

​

Mark P. Jensen, PhD

09:15-09:55
 

This talk will present the findings from two recently completed randomized clinical trials examining different psychological treatments for chronic pain. The first trial examined the effects and mechanisms of individual treatment with cognitive therapy, self-hypnosis training focusing on pain reduction, self-hypnosis training focusing on changing maladaptive thoughts about pain (hypnotic cognitive therapy), and a pain education control condition, in 173 individuals with chronic pain. The second study examined the effects and mechanisms of group therapy treatment with training in mindfulness meditation, training in self-hypnosis training, and a pain education control condition in 308 individuals with chronic pain. In both studies, outcome variables included measures of pain intensity and depression; anxiety was also assessed as an outcome variable in the second study. Potential treatment mediators (e.g., pre- and post-treatment measures of pain-related beliefs, pain-related cognitive processes, and EEG-assessed brain activity) and moderators (e.g., pre-treatment measures of pain-related beliefs, pain-related cognitive processes, and brain activity) were also assessed in both studies. The talk will present the findings with respect to the relative efficacy of the treatments for reducing pain and improving psychological function, as well as to identify the factors that would help us understand how the treatments work (treatment mediators) and for whom they work (treatment moderators). The talk will end by discussing the implications of the findings for enhancing treatment efficacy; specially, by targeting the most important treatment mediators and by improving patient-treatment matching.

​

Mark P. Jensen, PhD, is a professor and is the Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington. Dr. Jensen received his PhD from Arizona State University, and his postdoctoral training at the Multidisciplinary Pain Center, University of Washington Medical Center. His research program focuses on understanding the effects and mechanisms of psychological pain interventions. He has published over 700 articles and chapters, and has authored or edited 11 books. Dr. Jensen is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and has received numerous awards for his scientific contributions, including the Clark L. Hull Award for Scientific Excellence in Writing on Experimental Hypnosis and the American Psychological Association Division 30 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Professional Hypnosis. He was also the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Pain for 12 years, from 2010 to 2022.

​

​

​

Lecture Theme - TBD

Alla Landa

09:55-10:35

​

TBD

​

​

​

Autoimmune Disorders; A Psychosomatic Perspective  

Moshe Torem M.D

10:45-11:25

​

For many years Western Medicine has conceptualized the immune system to be separate and independent from the central nervous system. However, significant scientific advances and research discoveries in the past several decades have provided new evidence that the immune system does interact with the central nervous system with mutual influence. This lecture provides a review of autoimmune disorders from a psychosomatic perspective. Moreover, it also provides the rational and guidance for employing mind-body interventions to promote healing and better therapeutic outcomes in achieving a faster and enduring reemission for patients with an autoimmune disorder.

​

​

Dr. Moshe Torem is a senior psychiatrist & psychotherapist with special training in Psychosomatic Medicine. He is a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Life Fellow and former President of the American society of Clinical Hypnosis. He is a former President of the International society for the study of Trauma & Dissociation. He is also a Professor of Psychiatry at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Dr. Torem has published numerous articles and book chapters in the field of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Mind-Body Integrative Medicine, Hypnosis, and Behavioral Sciences. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has many years of experience in clinical work. In addition, he has provided lectures and workshops in the USA, Israel, and other countries covering the topics of psychotherapy, mind-body integrative therapeutic interventions, hypnosis, guided imagery, and future focused interventions.