ABSTRACT
Fundamental to the management of persistent pain is recognition of the role which psychological factors play in its development and maintenance, and of the profound psychological impact on the individual of having persistent pain. Research evidence is accumulating which demonstrates the centrality of these psychological factors in the transition from acute to persistent pain, in the development and maintenance of disability, and in treatment outcome (Pincus et al., 2001; Turk and Monarch, 2003). However, this is not to underplay the role of physiological processes, but rather to emphasise the importance of understanding the integration of the two, and that the neglect of either may compromise treatment (Turk and Monarch, 2003). The term ‘persistent pain’ will be used in preference to ‘chronic pain’, consistent with current usage.
