Abstract
Patients with chronic pain present a spectrum of complexity that can be overwhelming for the individual practitioner. These patients require thoughtful care and a comprehensive treatment plan. This complexity should be acknowledged, not avoided, and the patient should be engaged, not shunned. A practical approach will assist in developing expertise and proceeding empathically. The presence of a superimposed personality disorder significantly increases the difficulty of caring for these patients. Studies investigating the prevalence of borderline personality disorder in patients with chronic pain averaged 30 %, highlighting the importance of being able to effectively treat this patient population. Appropriate management of these patients should focus on a collaboration to practice productive behaviors despite intense emotional distress. Longitudinal research provides a foundation for an optimistic prognosis that can be enhanced with this rehabilitative approach.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 350 |
Journal | Current pain and headache reports |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2013 |
Keywords
- Borderline personality
- Chronic pain
- Cluster B
- Difficult patient
- Pain
- Personality
- Personality disorders
- Psychotherapy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine