Psychosocial Interventions for Chronic Pain: In Search of Evidence

Psychosocial Interventions for Chronic Pain

In Search of Evidence

Ranjan Roy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

Although much of medical practice is research driven, the same cannot be said about the psychosocial interventions for chronic pain and illness. Psychological therapy for pain is dominated by cognitive-behavior therapy, which is demonstrably effective in a significant proportion of chronic pain sufferers. There is a clear need to broaden the base of psychosocial therapies for treating this hugely suffering population. Psychosocial Interventions for Chronic Pain goes a long way to correct the situation by examining the empirical bases of patient problems as well as offering evidence-supported approaches to their management. Ranjan Roy’s introductory chapters explain how effectiveness is measured in psychosocial practice, and these concepts are clearly applied in compelling case examples, including:

• Family and couple therapy for longstanding pain issues.

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy in a case of abuse and chronic pain.

• Interpersonal psychotherapy for identity issues following a hysterectomy.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for "immobilizing" pain.

• Grief therapy following catastrophic loss.

• Multidisciplinary approaches to complex chronic pain.

Psychosocial Interventions for Chronic Pain brings a useful framework of ideas to all health and mental health professionals working with chronic pain patients, including psychologists, social workers, physicians, and nurses. The book’s evidence-based orientation also makes it a valid text for specialized graduate courses on pain management.