Pain and Psychotherapy, in the Light of Evidence of Psychological Treatment Methods of Chronic Pain Based on Evidence

Noemi Csaszar, Petra Bagdi,

Abstract

Objective: Several types of psychotherapies have been developed for patients suffering from chronic pain. In general it is problematic for all therapies to determine whether they are effective or not. The aim of this review is to reveal the different types of psychological methods and researches conducted on their effectiveness. Methods: Descriptive review based on selective literature search in Medline, PubMed, Science Direct and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from June of 2013-February of 2014. Results: In case of chronic pain there are psychological treatment methods that have been properly proven to be effective (in compliance with the 2013/14 EBM criteria) such as psycho-education, supportive therapy, behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, biofeedback and relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, while dynamic oriented therapies, art therapy and family therapy has not been investigated or the results do not properly support effectiveness in pain management. Multidisciplinary treatment approaches including psychological treatments have been verified as an effective and cost-effective treatment approach for chronic pain patients who have failed to respond initial treatment or suffer from psychological problems. Conclusions: Psychotherapies have been proved to be effective and important component of chronic pain treatment.