Scientists have long known that artistic and recreational activities like music performances and dancing can help patients alleviate pain. A recent study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (USA) indicates that creating art has similar effects.
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Cancer patients experience less pain |
According to the aforementioned study, 50 cancer patients at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago (USA) reported a reduction in 8 out of 10 symptoms associated with pain and anxiety after just one hour of painting or creating pottery or jewelry. While the exact mechanisms that lead patients to believe their health has improved through “art therapy” are not yet fully understood, researchers speculate that distraction may be a key factor, as the effort to create art allows patients to temporarily forget their pain and suffering.
Judith Paice, the Director of the Cancer Pain Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a co-author of the study, believes there are many other factors that improve patients’ symptoms. Nancy Nainis, an art therapist who led the research project, met with each of the 50 patients, emphasizing that the artwork they produced was not what mattered most. She encouraged patients to discuss any piece they were creating and the reasons they wanted to participate in this special project. According to Paice, the patients spoke quite openly about their issues. “Since patients cannot articulate their fears clearly to a therapist, or do not consider seeing a psychologist, they use their artwork as a means to express their fears,” she stated.
Nainis expressed her surprise at how most patients reported feeling less fatigued. Patients were asked to rate their symptoms on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning no symptoms (such as no pain) and 10 being very severe. The results showed that treatment reduced average symptoms by 1 to 2 levels. “Some participants even chatted with each other about how art had revitalized them,” she noted. “This is the first study to statistically assess the pain relief experienced by patients through art therapy.”
Nevertheless, caution is advised following these studies, as more research is needed before fully understanding the efficacy of such treatments. The American Cancer Society stated that this research has not yet reached a conclusive final result, although many clinical practitioners believe it is effective. For instance, Paice is confident that their team is headed in the right direction. She stated: “Our study has provided initial evidence of the important role of art therapy in alleviating symptoms and pain for patients.”
Diep Linh (According to ABC)
