Understanding Pain for Better Clinical Practice
A Psychological Perspective

Addresses the common clinical problems relating to the psychological aspects of pain management and gives practical

Steven James Linton (Author)

9780444515919, Elsevier Health Sciences

Hardback, published 5 May 2005

208 pages, 34 ills.
21.6 x 27.9 x 2 cm, 0.54 kg

A comprehensive review of the current state of thinking and research in relation to the management of the psychological aspects of pain. Written in a style and at a level which is relevant and accessible to the practising clinician and also to students it provides a wealth of clinically valuable information on how the psychology of pain may be utilized in clinical practice. Addresses the common clinical problems relating to the psychological aspects of pain management and gives practical guidance based on the latest research as to how those problems should be dealt with. A model is provided to help readers grasp the main points as well as to help organize possible applications. The second part of the book is exclusively dedicated to incorporating the psychology of pain into clinical practice. Rather than starting with rehabilitating those with chronic pain, this book provides clinical application from the beginning. Thus, the book examines why patients seek care in the first place as well as how to communicate with patients. Practical routines are provided for dealing with patients from the first visit and on wards. Special emphasis is placed on utilizing the information for early detection and secondary preventive interventions that will prevent the development of chronic pain problems.The book includes an appendix which may be used as a session manual by therapists using cognitive-behavioural therapy with groups for early intervention in pain management. May be used as a textbook as well as a clinical reference.

• Volume 16 in an established series conceived and commissioned by Sir Patrick Wall
• Written by probably the best known figure in the field of the psychological management of pain
• Clinically relevant and research based
• Written by a leading researcher who is also a practitioner and understands the problems and concerns of clinicians
• Fully up to the minute - based on the very latest research

PART I: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PAIN PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOR
Chapter 1 The need to understand the psychology of pain
Chapter 2 Models of pain perception
Chapter 3 The biological-psychological interface: Pain perception
Chapter 4 Attending to pain stimuli: Vigilance and Distraction
Chapter 5 Emotions and the experience of pain
Chapter 6 Interpreting pain signals: Cognitions
Chapter 7 Learning to cope: Behavior in pain and health
Chapter 8 An integrated model
PART II: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
Chapter 9 Why does chronic pain develop?
Chapter 10 Communicating with patients
Chapter 11 Managing the first visit
Chapter 12 Early identification of "at risk" patients: screening
Chapter 13 Early intervention
Chapter 14 The way forward

Appendix Session manual for therapist's: Cognitive-behavioral early intervention for groups

Subject Areas: Complementary medicine [MX], Pain & pain management [MMBP], Neurology & clinical neurophysiology [MJN], Rheumatology [MJM]