ABSTRACT
For psychiatrists and mental health practitioners, the contemporary view of pain adopts a biopsychosocial perspective. In this model, the experience of pain and the patient’s presentation and response to treatment are determined by the interaction of biological, psychological, and social/environmental derivatives. There is no dichotomizing between physical versus psychological origins. Rather, the experience of pain and the response to treatment can be influenced by the patient’s psychological makeup, the presence of psychological comorbidities, and the extent of social support and extenuating environmental circumstances (Leo, 2003). The array of variables exerting an impact on the patient with pain can exceed the capabilities of sole pain practitioner. Hence, a multidisciplinary treatment approach is advocated (Gallagher, 1999).
