Pain catastrophizing: A patient-centered approach to assessment

Nursing. 2022 Apr 1;52(4):26-30. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000823252.50782.45.

Abstract

Pain is a subjective experience and its perception and expression vary widely. Pain catastrophizing, which refers to patients' thoughts or feelings about their pain, may impact their communication of pain and nurses' subsequent response. This article discusses how nurses can more readily recognize, assess, and manage pain catastrophizing.

MeSH terms

  • Catastrophization*
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain*
  • Patient-Centered Care