Interdisciplinary treatment of chronic pain.
Interdisciplinary treatment care must address more than the physical pathology. Chronic pain comprises a range of interdependent variables including biologic, cognitive, affective, behavioral, and social factors. This article discusses these psychosocial issues, as well as the four levels of pain management programs, and the characteristics and goals of interdisciplinary treatment. Finally, recent clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy and cost benefits of interdisciplinary pain management programs are reviewed.
Gardea
M A
MA
Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.
Gatchel
R J
RJ
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000191:economics; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010348:Patient Care Team