Integrative & Interdisciplinary #PsychologicalInterventions for #ChronicPain Management: keeping it "personal and subjective" #intersubjective

Psychological interventions for chronic pain management from a biopsychological perspective requires an integrative and interdisciplinary approach. 

Clinically speaking, the experience of an individual’s level of pain incorporates their physiological state, thought patterns, emotions, behaviors, and sociocultural construct. Researchers Roditi, D. & Robinson, M. (2011) state that “…psychological interventions empower and enable patients to become active participants in the management of their illness and instill valuable skills that patients can employ throughout their lives.”

In their research findings Roditi, D. & Robinson, M. (2011) identified multiple influences that impact how a person experiences their chronic pain. They point out that it’s both personal and subjective. Keeping a focus on the subjective experience is paramount for treatment approaches.

Working clinically with psychological interventions involves focusing on behavioral and cognitive modifications.  This includes interventions designed to increase self-management, improve pain-coping strategies, reduce pain-related disability, and reduce emotional distress. It is not appropriate to works towards eliminating the pain source. “…the skills learned through psychological interventions empower and enable patients to become active participants in the management of their illness and instill valuable skills that patients can employ throughout their lives”, (Roditi & Robinson, 2011).

The National Institute of Nursing Research reports that pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. People who suffer from chronic pain are the most common prescribers of medication. Recently the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations required that pain is evaluated as a 5th vital sign. “The IASP’s definition highlights the multidimensional and subjective nature of pain, a complex experience that is unique to each individual”, (Roditi & Robinson, 2011). Part of the complexities of chronic pain comes from the physiological issues that accompany it, the functionality impact it has on a person’s mobility, and the extended period of time that it continues.

Behavioral treatment approaches include:

• Relaxation & meditation training
• Diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breaths)
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Autogenic training
• Visualization & guided imagery

References
Roditi, D., & Robinson, M. (2011). The role of psychological interventions in the management of patients with chronic pain. Psychology Research and Behavior Management. Volume 4: pp. 41-49. Doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S15375.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22114534