Trauma and Behavioral Health Care for Patients with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a public health problem that affects millions of people; however, those with comorbid behavioral health issues are overrepresented in that number. Although pain can be caused by a variety of factors, it has traditionally been associated directly with physical pathology. We know there is variation in how patients report pain whether in the presence or absence of physical pathology; therefore, pain must be viewed as a complex issue. In this article, the authors review the relationship between pain and mental illness and discuss strategies and various modalities for addressing pain in the primary care setting.