Psychiatric approaches to non-cancer pain.

Abstract

Most pain clinic therapists would agree as to the importance of including a psychiatrist and/or a psychologist on the team. Because of the psychiatrist's training in medicine he/she may have a useful role as a bridge between the somatically orientated clinicians and those dealing with psychosocial issues such as psychologists and social workers. This paper highlights the psychiatric and psychological approaches important for treatment of chronic non-cancer pain conditions.