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Psychosocial Interventions for Chronic Pain
In Search of Evidence
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 psychological
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.
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Psychodynamic psychotherapy in a case of abuse and chronic pain.
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Interpersonal psychotherapy for identity issues following a hysterectomy.
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy for “immobilizing” pain.
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Grief therapy following catastrophic loss.
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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.
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