Highly optimistic soldiers were less likely to report back, joint or head pain after returning from Afghanistan or Iraq than pessimistic soldiers, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The finding held regardless of education level, marital status or military rank and suggests that pre-deployment programs that teach soldiers to be optimistic could be beneficial, says lead author Afton Hassett.

Instagram has prohibited "graphic" memes related to suicide and self-harm, while other platforms sometimes refer people who posted such material for mental health assistance, writes Elizabeth Anne Brown. The memes allow users "to anonymously communicate their inner pain in a way ... that people who are struggling identify with," asserts Bart Andrews, an American Association of Suicidology board member. Meanwhile, Jane Pirkis of the University of Melbourne contends "representation that normalizes suicide or glorifies it at all can lead to so-called copycat acts."

Pfizer and Lilly's non-opioid pain medication, tanezumab, reduced chronic low back pain in a late-stage trial of patients who had already tried three classes of pain relievers. Tanezumab targets the nerve growth factor, a protein involved in the growth of nerve cells.

A literature review in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found five key themes of skills and support that family caregivers may need when administering medications in the home to a seriously ill loved one. The study said these five areas can create a framework for improving support: knowledge of medication concepts such as correct doses and side effects; understanding how to prepare medications and keep records; building relationships with family and care providers; support from professionals; and a sense of confidence.

A series of witnesses, including advocacy groups and patients with chronic pain, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on the effects of recent measures to stop the opioid overdose epidemic. Cindy Steinberg, national director of policy and advocacy for the US Pain Foundation, said efforts to stop overprescribing have created a "climate of fear" among doctors, and that the CDC's opioid guidelines should be rewritten.

A research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that CMS opioid overutilization criteria may not correctly identify Medicare Part D patients at risk for opioid use disorder or overdose. Data showed that most patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder or overdose were not deemed opioid overutilizers, and more than half of those who were identified as such did not develop opioid use disorder or overdose.

The APS 2019 Scientific Meeting brings together the best and brightest professionals in the pain community in Milwaukee, April 3-6. The meeting will focus on the theme, "Combating the Opioid Epidemic through Innovations in the Treatment of Pain." Check out the 2019 all-star speaker line-up. Read more.

Held just prior to the Scientific Meeting, APS-CAT is a full-day event featuring a panel of world-renowned experts in clinical trials. Moderated by Neil Singla, MD, APS Clinical Trials special interest group chair, you'll have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with thought leaders in the field and disseminate the latest scientific and regulatory developments. Preregistration is required. Learn more.