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Psychiatric aspects of pain.
1Specialty Services Unit, HCA, St. Mark's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Chronic pain persists despite healing due to biologic, psychologic, and socioenvironmental factors. Effective management requires understanding these causes and individualizing treatment with medications like antidepressants.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Pain resolution typically follows healing, but some patients experience persistent symptoms.
- Chronic pain is a syndrome with unknown etiology, influenced by multiple factors.
Observation:
- Organic illnesses (headaches, arthritis, cancer) and psychological issues (depression, anxiety) contribute to chronic pain.
- Co-occurrence of chronic pain with psychiatric disorders and substance abuse is common.
Findings:
- Understanding etiologic factors and sequelae is crucial for effective chronic pain management.
- Pharmacological treatments including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and NSAIDs show efficacy.
Implications:
- Individualized treatment plans are essential for managing chronic pain syndromes.
- A comprehensive approach addressing biological, psychological, and social factors is necessary.