The Psychology of Pain and Chronic Health Conditions

It has become apparent through research and clinical experience that a person experiencing chronic pain and chronic health conditions are both affected by and being affected by psychological symptoms. We now know that the biopsychosocial connections to a person’s physical and psychological health is important to acknowledge, evaluate, and treat. This means that our treatment of chronic pain and chronic health conditions should take into account all areas of a person’s functioning and how they are interacting. This lecture will look at those interactions, as well as the psychological and psychosocial effects of chronic health issues, and effects of psychological well-being on chronic conditions. Most importantly, students will learn how to treat people with chronic pain and health conditions with psychological interventions in the most tailored and integrated way.