Emerging trends and hotspots in cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain: a bibliometric analysis

Despite growing interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for chronic pain, bibliometric analyses in this field remain scarce. This study provides a multi-dimensional bibliometric analysis of literature from 2005 to 2024 to summarize research trends and guide future directions.

Literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and clinical trial records from PubMed (2005-2024). Data analysis and visualization were conducted using Microsoft Excel, Scimago Graphica, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R-package "bibliometrix" to evaluate publication trends, institutional contributions, and clinical design characteristics.

A total of 1,070 papers involving 67 countries, 1,584 institutions, and 4,820 authors were identified. The United States dominated the field, contributing 59.16% of total publications and ranking first in citations. The University of Washington emerged as the most productive institution, while The Journal of Pain led in total publications (7.01%). Analysis of keywords-such as Depression, Sleep, Anxiety, and Quality of Life-highlights current hotspots. Research increasingly focuses on validating digital interventions, managing comorbidities (e.g., insomnia, mood disorders), and tailoring personalized treatment strategies for specific populations.

Research on CBT for chronic pain is flourishing. This first systematic bibliometric analysis identifies digital interventions, comorbidity management, and personalized treatment as primary research hotspots. It provides a strategic roadmap for future mechanism-oriented clinical trials, interdisciplinary integration, and real-world applications.