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Reducing catastrophic thinking associated with pain
Timothy H Wideman1, Michael Jl Sullivan
1McGill University, Psychology Department, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada.
Pain Management
|March 21, 2014
Summary
Pain catastrophizing is a key psychological risk factor for pain outcomes. This review covers evidence-based tools for assessing and managing elevated catastrophic thinking in patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Management
- Clinical Interventions
Background:
- Pain catastrophizing is a significant psychological risk factor for diverse pain-related outcomes.
- Research highlights its role in predicting problematic recovery.
- There is a growing need for clinical interventions targeting catastrophizing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence-based assessment tools for pain catastrophizing.
- To present management strategies for patients with elevated catastrophic thinking.
- To discuss recent research and implementation of interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of evidence-based assessment and management tools.
- Discussion of clinical implementation strategies for interventions.
- Synthesis of recent research findings.
Main Results:
- Identified pain catastrophizing as a crucial psychological risk factor.
- Reviewed cognitive behavioral techniques, emotional disclosure, reassurance, neurophysiological education, and graded activity/exposure.
- Discussed strategies for clinical implementation.
Conclusions:
- Effective assessment and management tools for pain catastrophizing are available.
- Interventions targeting catastrophic thinking can improve pain-related outcomes.
- Clinical application of these tools is essential for patient recovery.
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