Psychiatric management of cancer pain Journal Article


Author: Breitbart, W.
Article Title: Psychiatric management of cancer pain
Abstract: Appropriate management of cancer pain is essential and requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes a major role for a psychologist and/or psychiatrist. An increased incidence of psychiatric disturbance, in particular, anxiety and depression, is found in patients with pain. Psychiatric symptoms in patients with cancer pain must be initially viewed as a consequence of uncontrolled pain. Personality factors may be quite distorted by the presence of pain, and its relief often results in the disappearance of a perceived psychiatric disorder. Reassessment after pain control is imperative. Optimal treatment of cancer pain includes pharmacologic, psychologic, behavioral, anesthetic, stimulatory, and rehabilitative approaches, often in combination. Cognitive and behavioral interventions, such as relaxation, imagery, hypnosis, distraction, and biofeedback, are effective as part of a comprehensive multimodal approach and must never be used as a substitute for appropriate analgesic management of cancer pain. Psychotropic drugs, particularly the tricyclic antidepressants, are useful as adjuvant analgesic agents in the pharmacologic management of cancer pain. Copyright © 1989 American Cancer Society
Keywords: review; neoplasms; pain; chlorpromazine; haloperidol; methylphenidate; cancer pain; psychological aspect; antidepressant agent; psychiatry; psychotropic drugs; morphine; alprazolam; behavior therapy; fluphenazine; levomepromazine; prochlorperazine; psychotherapy; tryptophan; dexamphetamine; trazodone; anxiolytic agent; hydroxyzine; butyrophenone derivative; doxepin; imipramine; phenothiazine derivative; human; priority journal
Journal Title: Cancer
Volume: 63
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0008-543X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 1989-06-01
Start Page: 2336
End Page: 2342
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19890601)63:11<2336::Aid-cncr2820631144>3.0.Co;2-7
PUBMED: 2655868
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
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