The role of psychological factors in chronic pain.

2019 ◽  
pp. 13-33
Author(s):  
Beth D. Darnall
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Psychological Factors

scholarly journals Psychological Factors Associated with Phantom Limb Pain: A Review of Recent Findings

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xaver Fuchs ◽  
Herta Flor ◽  
Robin Bekrater-Bodmann
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Body Perception ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
Pain Symptoms

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common phenomenon occurring after the amputation of a limb and can be accompanied by serious suffering. Psychological factors have been shown to play an important role in other types of chronic pain, where they are pivotal in the acquisition and maintenance of pain symptoms. For PLP, however, the interaction between pain and psychological variables is less well documented. In this review, we summarize research on the role of emotional, motivational, cognitive, and perceptual factors in PLP. The reported findings indicate that emotional factors modulate PLP but might be less important compared to other types of chronic pain. Additional factors such as the amount of disability and adjustment to the amputation appear to also play a role. Bidirectional relationships between stress and PLP have been shown quite consistently, and the potential of stress and tension reduction in PLP treatment could be further exploited. Little is known about the role of cognitive variables such as attention or expectation. Catastrophizing seems to aggravate PLP and could be targeted in treatment. Body perception is altered in PLP and poses a potential target for novel mechanistic treatments. More research on psychological factors and their interactions in PLP is needed.

Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of the Patient with Chronic Pain

1986 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon Muir Giles ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Allen
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Occupational Therapist ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Treatment Approaches

This paper discusses the role of the occupational therapist in the treatment of chronic pain. It begins with a critical evaluation of our current theoretical understanding of pain, concentrating on the link between physical and psychological factors. A unit for the treatment of patients with chronic pain is described and assessment and practical treatment approaches are outlined. Emphasis is placed on a functional approach which maximizes the individual's control over his own pain.

Psychological factors in spinal cord stimulation therapy: brief review and discussion

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Doleys
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Psychological Screening ◽  
What Works ◽  
Made In

✓Since its introduction in 1967 by Shealy and colleagues, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy has become an accepted approach to the treatment of certain types of chronic pain. Significant advances have been made in surgical technique, hardware technology, and the variety of disorders for which SCS has proven to be potentially beneficial. Despite these advancements, 25 to 50% of patients in whom a preimplantation trial screening yields successful results report loss of analgesia within 12 to 24 months of implantation, even in the presence of a functioning device. Psychological factors may play an important role in understanding this observation and improving the outcomes. In this article the author briefly reviews some of the data on psychological factors potentially involved in SCS. Research on patients with low-back and extremity pain was more heavily relied on because this is the population for which the most data exist. The discussion is divided into four sections: 1) role of psychological factors; 2) psychological screening and assessment; 3) patient selection and psychological screening; and 4) psychological variables and outcomes. To date, the data remain speculative. Although few definitive conclusions can be drawn, the cumulative existing experience does lend itself to some reasonable recommendations. As with all therapies for chronic pain, invasive or noninvasive, the criteria for success and an acceptable level of failure need to be established, but remain elusive. The emphasis herein is to try to take what works and make it work better.

Treatment of pain-related fear in chronic (persistent) pain: the role of safety-seeking behaviour and imagery

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Jamani ◽  
Zoe Clyde
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Adjustment Process ◽  
Efficacious Treatment ◽  
Psychological Models

AbstractIt is widely recognized that psychological factors play a central role in the adjustment process and subsequent management of chronic pain. The role of anxiety, and specifically pain-related fear, has received particular attention. Paralleling developments in the anxiety disorders literature, psychological models of pain-related fear now highlight the importance of cognitive processes in its maintenance and treatment. However, theoretical and treatment advances in the anxiety disorders literature have not been widely applied to the pain field. In particular, certain cognitive processes, specifically safety-seeking behaviours and imagery, which appear to be involved in the maintenance of pain-related fear. This paper explores how these concepts may apply to pain-related fear and demonstrates how they may aid conceptualization and be used to guide a more cognitively orientated and efficacious treatment.

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