The Problem of Pain: Chronic Pain

Abstract

Youth chronic pain management presents unique challenges to the pediatric psychologist in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This chapter includes specific and practical guidance for working with youth and their families/caregivers presenting to an inpatient setting for treatment of chronic pain. Conceptualization of pediatric chronic pain from a biopsychosocial framework informs the chapter which includes guidance in specific domains to consider within an initial assessment. Practical advice is provided regarding communicating with families about taking a rehabilitative treatment approach in such a way as to increase readiness for treatment of their child's chronic pain upon discharge from the hospital. The chapter gives clinical pearls for psychologists to make valuable contributions to multidisciplinary treatment teams which seek to incorporate psychological information relevant to the child's treatment within the hospital setting. Finally, information is offered for referring and coordinating care for patients upon discharge when they have ongoing pain needs including school reentry, effective non-pharmacologic treatment, and prioritizing mental health needs that co-occur with patient's pain symptoms.