ABSTRACT

This scholarly and practical book turns attention to the patient with chronic pain. Based on biopsychosocial principles, the text provides valuable information on diagnostic matters and non-invasive techniques and clarifies the pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain. The book reviews the comorbidity of pain and psychiatric disorder and the puzzle of somatization as well as more conservative treatments such as relaxation, hypnosis and meditation, psychotherapy and pharmacology. Concise and packed with practical guidance throughout, all the parameters for managing chronic pain patients are covered here, making the book invaluable not only for psychiatrists, but also neurologists, orthopedists and GPs, as well as other professionals working in this area.

Introduction. A Reasonable Approach to Chronic Pain Reduction. Anatomy and Physiology. Plasticity and Neuropathic Pain. The Biopsychosocial Model in Chronic Pain. Biopsychosocial Pain and Diagnostic Systems. Pain and Psychiatric Comorbidity. Pain and Somatization. Fear of Movement and Pain. Relaxation, Hypnosis and Meditation. Psychotherapy in Chronic Pain. Fibromyalgia. Headache. Low Back Pain and Sciatica. Pharmacotherapy.