ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to describe a biopsychosocial approach that can be used to understand non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) and help patients manage it. It offers a treatment strategy based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that identifies potential solutions and effective coping strategies for NCCP. The book also describes how to differentiate NCCP from chest pain caused by cardiac disease. It also offers an overview of the historical and sociocultural perspectives of chest pain and how these shape a person's reactions to NCCP. Health emerges from an interactive network of biological, psychological and social factors. The cause and maintenance of NCCP often involves a complex interaction of organic and psychological processes. Once heart disease has been excluded, it is possible to identify alternative physical causes. There may be psychological factors influencing NCCP and important social and lifestyle factors.
