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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
Psychiatric and psychological perspectives on chronic pain
Catherine Q Howe1, James P Robinson1, Mark D Sullivan1
1Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Abstract:
Chronic pain patients often have psychiatric disorders that negatively influence their responses to treatment. Also, many of them have dysfunctional beliefs and coping strategies, even if they do not meet DSM-5 criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Physiatrists should have a low threshold for referring both groups of patients for mental health services. This article describes psychiatric disorders that are highly prevalent among pain patients and also describes psychological processes that contribute to poor coping by the patients. Finally, it discusses factors that a physiatrist should consider in deciding whether to refer patients to psychiatrists versus psychologists.
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