The Genius Life 531: Is Your Pain All in Your Brain? The Shocking Truth About Chronic Pain, Mood, and Inflammation | Daniel Amen, MD
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Dec 3, 2025 
Dr. Daniel Amen, a double board-certified psychiatrist and brain health advocate, dives into the complexities of chronic pain. He reveals how the brain's 'pain circuits' contribute to persistent suffering and emphasizes the importance of addressing negative thoughts tied to pain. Amen advocates for natural alternatives to opiates like omega-3s and curcumin while exploring the impact of gut health and neuroplasticity on pain management. Lastly, he outlines his BRIGHT MINDS framework, connecting hope and social factors to mental well-being.
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Pain Is Both Body And Brain
- Pain lives in brain circuits that process both physical and emotional pain.
- Unhealthy brains and repressed emotions amplify and perpetuate pain.
The Doom Loop Amplifies Suffering
- The 'doom loop' is how pain triggers negative thinking and bodily tension that increase pain.
- Automatic negative thoughts deactivate the calming frontal circuits and worsen suffering.
Challenge Negative Thoughts Daily
- Train your mind to question automatic negative thoughts rather than believe them.
- Increasing hope and happiness strengthens frontal control and reduces pain vulnerability.
