Psychology of chronic pain Flashcards
what is the specificity theory
sensation of pain is a direct representation of the damage experienced
what is the gate control therory
a gate is used as a metaphor for the chemicals that mitigate the experience of pain
pain is perception rather than sensation
what are pain behaviours
facial or audible expressions
distorted posture/ gait
negative emotions
avoidance of activity
what are gains associated with pain
not having to do something e.g. a chore
sympathy
pleasure from the person who helps the pain sufferer
what are the five Ds
dramatisation of complaints disuse through inactivity drug misuse due to over medication dependency on others disability due to inactivity
what are the features of chronic pain management
psychological approaches to minimise the amount of pain killer used and improve quality of life
how can pain be measured
numerical rating
descriptive adjectives however these have limitations
what are the features of the mcgill pain questionaire
type of pain
emotional response
intensity
timing of pain
captures a more multidimensional
what are behavioural interventions
reinforcement of adaptive behaviours
withdrawal of attention or other rewards that were responses to pain behaviour
providing analgesia at set times
what are CBT interventions
help patients understand that they can manage their pain
help pts understand that negative thoughts can lead to increased pain perception, distress etc
provide pts with strategies to manage their pain
what is biofeedback
a method to attempt to achieve control over body processes
helps to relax muscles and relieve headaches
what people are involved in pain management clinics
doctors physios OTs nurses psychologists family
