Continued research has led chronic pain psychology and treatment to focus increasingly on cognitive-behavioral methods for managing pain (e.g., cognitive therapy, alternative modes of behavioral activation). These methods appear to protect against depressive symptoms and to help decrease cognitive focus on real pain sensations. A recent FDA approval has led a number of start-ups to develop virtual reality (VR) programs that provide a promising treatment modality for managing chronic pain.
The virtual reality pain psych program incorporates many elements. Many specific VR products are still in testing, but may show promise for helping pain patients by enhancing activating behaviors and positive emotions, and by training patients to focus attention away from pain sensations.
Pros: Use of such a program would greatly improve access to treatment methods. This is especially the case for a group of patients that can show difficulties in access to care (e.g., via mobility, beliefs about the intent of mental health providers in pain treatment).
Limits: Whether or not specific products developed by new start-ups will show efficacy (how the treatment works in research settings) or effectiveness (how the treatment works in clinic settings) on their own or along with treatment-as-usual (or either) remains to be seen.
Overall this could be a really cool way for the field of pain psychology to bring pain treatment right to those individuals who need it. It appears possible to use this treatment along with pain psych treatment or on its own for those who may require a less intensive level of care.
