ABSTRACT
Chronic pain is now understood to be a complex process of perception that is affected by psychological, behavioral, and social factors. There are many causes of pain (e.g., naturally occurring degenerative changes, medical procedures). Pain can also be related to bodily injury caused by accidents or traumatic events; as such, many patients experience comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. On their own, chronic pain and PTSD symptoms can each interfere with daily functioning, but when they co-occur they are associated with even greater impairment, pain, and PTSD symptoms, increased use of healthcare resources, lower quality of life, greater use of opiates, and higher levels of emotional disorders. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the comorbidity of pain and PTSD, and subsequent impact on psychological and physical functioning. This chapter subsequently covers major theoretical models of pain and PTSD (Mutual Maintenance Model, Shared Vulnerability Model, Triple Vulnerability Model), provides recommendations for treatment, and presents suggestions for future clinical trials and research.
