Psychophysiology of pain

Approximately 80% of all patients with chronic pain report current or past psychological impairment. That is why psychologists or psychosomatic specialists necessarily have to play a role in pain management. Decided psychological pain treatment is indicated depending on somatic and psycho-social findings. For psychological evaluation it is important to use adequate questionnaires, to take a thorough history and to observe behaviour patterns. A lot of different therapeutic approaches are used in clinical practice. Today the best evidence exists for relaxation techniques, behavioural therapy and analytical psychotherapy.