User:Eyannaib/Pain psychology

Introduction

Pain is one of the most common sensations for which individuals seek medical attention. Pain is an uncomfortable physical sensation that may manifest with different presentations. Coping with intense forms of pain can lead to psychological feelings like depression, anxiety, and stress.

Pain Psychology

Pain psychology is the study of psychological and behavioral processes in chronic pain. Pain psychology involves the implementation of treatments for chronic pain. Pain psychology can also be regarded as a branch of medical psychology, as many conditions associated with chronic pain have significant medical outcomes.Untreated pain or ineffective treatment of pain can result in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, thus it is vital that appropriate pain management occur in a timely fashion following symptom onset.

Treatments

Pain treatments include a host of therapeutic techniques and methods such as active listening, medication, reflection, empathy as well as behavioral techniques like guided imagery or meditation.

Pain Psychologist vs Physician

Individuals experiencing chronic pain typically contact a physician first. A physician is able to provide a prescription to medications to treat chronic pain. The medications commonly prescribed are acetaminophen, topical creams/sprays (applied to the skin) that contain pain relievers, opioids (narcotics), sedatives to help with insomnia, and medical marijuana. These medications are temporary pain relievers that are highly addictive therefore, it is common for a physician to recommend a pain psychologist. A pain psychologist will help you address the negative effects that chronic pain causes for times you are not relying on medicine for relief. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), when a chronic pain patient goes in for treatment from a pain psychologist, they are asked various questions about their mental and physical health, their concerns about the pain they are experiencing, and a questionnaire may follow to keep track of any other information that may be needed to take note of. Once this initial process is done, a treatment plan is made specifically to meet the needs of the patient. Pain psychologist offer various mental therapies that include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness training, meditation and relaxation therapies. To look at the therapies offered by a Pain psychologist more in-depth, Practical Pain Management.com’s The Role of Psychology in Pain Management article lists the many treatments associated with CBT:

Prevention

Chronic pain is a public health problem that is difficult and costly to treat. Chronic pain can be induced from nerve damage, injury, and even repeated strain. There are very few findings on prevention of chronic pain. Treatment in acute pain can prevent chronic pain from developing. Many prevention studies suggest oral medications between 1 hour and 1 day prior to surgery. Other studies suggests that pain can be managed through dieting. A diet of anti-inflammatory foods supports chronic pain management.

References

Instructor feedback (delete when addressed) I have included suggested edits above in italics. Please determine what you wish to accept/reject. I am concerned that only one of your sources is peer-reviewed and a bit on the old side. Also, you need citations in your Pain treatment section to lend credibility to your additions.