Rewiring Chronic Pain

This study examines the effectiveness of a brief psychological intervention for chronic pain treatment, as well as the psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms associated with changes in pain intensity. Participants with chronic pain will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: two types of brief psychological interventions and a treatment-as-usual control group. Throughout the study, participants will attend a series of therapeutic sessions, complete questionnaires, undergo brain measurements (EEG and MRI), and participate in physiological monitoring using a smartwatch. The study aims to investigate which cognitive and physiological changes occur during the intervention, and whether early markers can be identified that may predict improvement in pain following this type of treatment. In addition, differences between cognitive and somatic components of the intervention will be examined to better understand which elements contribute to clinical change, and to determine whether knowledge alone is sufficient or whether participants must undergo a bodily experience in order to produce changes in pain levels. The goal of the study is to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying chronic pain and responses to psychological treatments, and to contribute to the development of more personalized, effective treatments with minimal side effects in the future.