Psychological approaches in pain management essay
There is a row of factors that influence the success of pain treatment from a psychological point of view. Above all, it is important to form in patients the correct concept of the origin of a disease through specialized educational programs. Further, the inclusion of a patient into the process of treatment is required (Mьller-Schwefe et al., 2011). It is shown that patients who are actively involved into the process of treatment, tend to recover faster than those who prefer to fully entrust themselves to doctors (Mьller-Schwefe et al., 2011, p. 483; Hayes et al., 2012, p. 424). It is important to emphasize that a patient must also be willing to cooperate with the doctor and members of the rehabilitation team and trust in the success of the approaches proposed. This and subsequent stages may require efforts on shifting the cognitive paradigm (Barker and McCracken, 2013). For changing maladaptive settings, clinicians now apply different techniques, ranging from standard persuasion during conversations and up to techniques based on neuro-linguistic programming and hypnosis, especially in cases of psychogenic pain (Barker and McCracken, 2013; McCracken, 2011; Mьller-Schwefe et al., 2011). In basis, mixed pain management programs mainly use cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at changing the subjective aspects of pain, which may include such techniques as relocating pain, dissociation from pain, accepting pain, substitution of pain by another sensation, neuropsychological metaphor, stimulus application, transformation of context, etc. (Barker and McCracken, 2013; Blacker et al., 2012; McCracken, 2011).
In their turn, latent strategies of self-adaptation involve different ways of self-revulsion like self-hypnosis, efforts to continue functioning despite pain, diving into work and daily routines, ignoring pain (Mann et al., 2013; Blacker et al., 2012). Psychological rehabilitation of patients with chronic pain may thus be effectively based on such methods as relaxation training, yoga, music listening, mental imaging technique, and biofeedback (Gold and Clare, 2013; McCracken, 2011). The ultimate goal of different approaches and strategies consists in increasing the motivation and experiencing control over pain through self-efficacy.
In multidisciplinary programs, important role is also given to adequate physical activity, as well as measures aimed at bringing patients back to their professional activity, through overcoming the fear of physical activity, enhancing physical strength and agility, operational conditioning techniques. Physical activity, in addition to its biological effect (improvement of blood circulation in tissues, etc.) can be a source of positive emotions (Burleson-Sullivan, 2007, p. 265). In this sense, art therapy and other social activities in groups are also often expected to bring sufficient results in pain management.
