Impacts of Chronic Pain on Women's Cognitive and Emotional Function:

A Neuropsychological Approach

Abstract

Chronic pain is a complex and multifactorial condition that significantly impacts cognitive and emotional dimensions, especially among women. This study aimed to analyze, from a neuropsychological perspective, the impacts of persistent pain on brain function and emotional well-being, highlighting its implications for quality of life. The method adopted consisted of an integrative literature review, analyzing research published in the last five years in recognized databases. The results reveal a high prevalence of depressive, anxious, and stressful symptoms, associated with deficits in attention, working memory, and executive functions. Neurobiological changes related to neuroinflammation and dysfunction in the brain areas responsible for emotional regulation were identified. It was found that psychological distress and cognitive overload form a feedback loop that intensifies pain perception and compromises functional autonomy. The conclusion is that an integrated understanding of the cognitive, emotional, and neurophysiological aspects of pain is fundamental to developing more effective and humane therapeutic approaches, promoting the rehabilitation and well-being of women suffering from chronic pain.

Keywords: Chronic pain; Cognitive functions; Emotional functions; Neuropsychology; Quality of life.