ABSTRACT
Neuropsychologists are strongly encouraged to clarify their role with referral sources. This chapter focuses on the chronic pain literature, as this broad descriptor is the most prevalent and widely investigated in the realm of pain disorders. Chronic pain is a commonly reported clinical issue in individuals referred for neuropsychological evaluation. Establishing neurocognitive patterns associated with chronic pain is important not only to understand how these difficulties impact patients' daily functioning but also how they may compromise engagement in treatment. Several studies have shown deficits on tests of attention, processing speed, memory, and executive function in pain patients relative to controls. Many of the measures described were developed by clinicians treating patients with pain disorders and they have not been routinely used in traditional neuropsychological assessment contexts. Neuropsychologists can utilize these measures, but care must be taken to clarify the nature of the assessment being conducted.
