Behavioral approaches to pain management in the elderly.
Pain is a complex phenomenon, influenced by many individual and external factors, and may be experienced differently with age. The detrimental health and social effects of chronic pain are well known. Age-related disorders, such as dementia, may interfere with the communication of pain. Health care provider bias and cultural expectations also may be barriers to the recognition and management of pain in the elderly. A multidisciplinary and multimodal approach in older adults is essential to effective assessment and management. Behavioral approaches to pain should be considered and incorporated into treatment where appropriate.
Norelli
Lisa J
LJ
Department of Psychiatry, Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA. norelll@mail.amc.edu
Harju
Saila K
SK
D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D059408:Pain Management; D012064:Relaxation Therapy