Abstract
Except in emergencies, the physician's obligation is not to relieve pain, but to diagnose and treat pathology. Psychological factors complicate organic pain, and make the diagnosis of "psychogenic" pain virtually impossible on the basis of psychological tests alone. In acute (short-term) pain, anti-anxiety agents are useful, but in chronic pain antidepressants are usually more appropriate. Continuing anxiolytic drugs past the acute stage tends to potentiate depressions. In addition to antidepressants, modalities which help in the management of chronic pain are physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation, use of weak analgesics on a "clock" rather than an "as needed" basis, and behavior modification. Explicit agreement on the features of the doctor--patient relationship is almost always essential for successfully managing these difficult and demanding patients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
