E M Thomas1, S M Weiss. 1. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pain is often poorly controlled in cancer patients. Chronic pain affects adult patients at all stages of cancer management. Optimal pain management may require attention to psychosocial variables and the inclusion of nonpharmacological techniques. METHODS: Three nonpharmacological strategies that are effective in reducing pain caused by cancer--patient psycho-education, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral interventions--are reviewed. Recommendations for physicians to facilitate a mental health referral are also discussed. RESULTS: Effective treatment of cancer pain begins with assessing the severity, characteristics, and impact of pain. Emotional distress (especially anxiety, depression, and beliefs about pain) has emerged as predictive of patient pain levels. Appropriate pain management may require a multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSIONS: Patient psycho-education has empowered patients to actively participate in pain control strategies. Supportive psychotherapy can assist patients in managing the stressors associated with cancer, and cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients to recognize and modify the factors that contribute to physical and emotional distress.
BACKGROUND:Pain is often poorly controlled in cancerpatients. Chronic pain affects adult patients at all stages of cancer management. Optimal pain management may require attention to psychosocial variables and the inclusion of nonpharmacological techniques. METHODS: Three nonpharmacological strategies that are effective in reducing pain caused by cancer--patient psycho-education, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral interventions--are reviewed. Recommendations for physicians to facilitate a mental health referral are also discussed. RESULTS: Effective treatment of cancer pain begins with assessing the severity, characteristics, and impact of pain. Emotional distress (especially anxiety, depression, and beliefs about pain) has emerged as predictive of patientpain levels. Appropriate pain management may require a multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSIONS:Patient psycho-education has empowered patients to actively participate in pain control strategies. Supportive psychotherapy can assist patients in managing the stressors associated with cancer, and cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients to recognize and modify the factors that contribute to physical and emotional distress.
Authors: Sandra Ward; Heidi Donovan; Sigridur Gunnarsdottir; Ronald C Serlin; Gary R Shapiro; Susan Hughes Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Barbara Given; Charles W Given; Alla Sikorskii; Sangchoon Jeon; Ruth McCorkle; Victoria Champion; David Decker Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage Date: 2007-12-26 Impact factor: 3.612