Pain and the brain 2: the recognition and management of chronic pain in primary care

J Clin Psychiatry. 2009 Nov;70(11):e43. doi: 10.4088/JCP.8146vi1c.

Abstract

Somatic symptoms are the foremost reason that individuals seek medical care, and most patients present with these symptoms in the primary care setting. Thus, clinicians must be able to recognize the manifestations of chronic pain as well as devise and implement an individualized treatment strategy that will relieve pain, manage any psychiatric comorbidities, and improve functioning and quality of life. This video includes 3 example patient cases and expert recommendations on accurately identifying, diagnosing, and treating the illnesses related to chronic pain, including comorbid depression and anxiety.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / epidemiology
  • Pain Management*
  • Primary Health Care / methods*
  • Quality of Life
  • Videotape Recording