The American psychologist
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The American psychologist · Feb 2014
ReviewPsychological pain interventions and neurophysiology: implications for a mechanism-based approach.
This article provides an illustrative overview of neurophysiological changes related to acute and chronic pain involving structural and functional brain changes, which might be the targets of psychological interventions. A number of psychological pain treatments have been examined with respect to their effects on brain activity, ranging from cognitive- and operant behavioral interventions, meditation and hypnosis, to neuro- and biofeedback, discrimination training, imagery and mirror treatment, as well as virtual reality and placebo applications. ⋯ Moreover, new treatment targets can be developed and tested. Finally, the use of neurophysiological measures can also aid in motivating patients to participate in psychological interventions and can increase their acceptance in clinical practice.
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The American psychologist · Feb 2014
Historical ArticleContributions of psychology to the understanding and treatment of people with chronic pain: why it matters to ALL psychologists.
Chronic pain is a prevalent problem with significant costs to individuals, significant others, and society. In this article, which introduces the American Psychologist special issue on chronic pain, we provide an overview of the seminal contributions made by psychologists to our current understanding of this important problem. ⋯ We believe that the chronicle of psychology's role in improving our understanding and treatment of pain provides a model for how psychologists can have a significant influence on many fields, and that the models and approaches developed for understanding and treating pain may be of use to psychologists working in other areas. Thus, we think that chronic pain is an important area of study that offers insights about translational research for ALL psychologists.
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The American psychologist · Feb 2014
ReviewHypnotic approaches for chronic pain management: clinical implications of recent research findings.
The empirical support for hypnosis for chronic pain management has flourished over the past two decades. Clinical trials show that hypnosis is effective for reducing chronic pain, although outcomes vary between individuals. ⋯ Neurophysiological studies reveal that hypnotic analgesia has clear effects on brain and spinal-cord functioning that differ as a function of the specific hypnotic suggestions made, providing further evidence for the specific effects of hypnosis. The research results have important implications for how clinicians can help their clients experience maximum benefits from hypnosis and treatments that include hypnotic components.
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The American psychologist · Feb 2014
ReviewCognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals with chronic pain: efficacy, innovations, and directions for research.
Over the past three decades, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has become a first-line psychosocial treatment for individuals with chronic pain. Evidence for efficacy in improving pain and pain-related problems across a wide spectrum of chronic pain syndromes has come from multiple randomized controlled trials. ⋯ Innovations in CBT delivery formats (e.g., Web-based, telephone-delivered) and treatments based on CBT principles that are delivered by health professionals other than psychologists show promise for chronic pain problems. This article reviews (a) the evidence base for CBT as applied to chronic pain, (b) recent innovations in target populations and delivery methods that expand the application of CBT to underserved populations, (c) current limitations and knowledge gaps, and (d) promising directions for improving CBT efficacy and access for people living with chronic pain.
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The American psychologist · Feb 2014
ReviewInterdisciplinary chronic pain management: past, present, and future.
Chronic pain is a significant and costly problem in the United States as well as throughout the industrialized world. Unfortunately, there have been concerns about the effectiveness of traditional medical interventions, suggesting the need for alternative chronic pain treatment strategies. ⋯ In the present article we briefly review the history of pain management, discuss the major components of a "true" interdisciplinary pain management program, focus on the evidence-based outcomes that have documented the effectiveness of such interdisciplinary pain management programs, and note the barriers that have blocked the wider use of such programs. Finally, we discuss future directions in interdisciplinary pain management.