| Abstract: |
(from the chapter) In this chapter, the authors review research showing that pain is highly prevalent in medical conditions such as cancer and HIV infection, is varied in its presentation, and is associated with significant psychological and functional morbidity. The authors also highlight the myriad factors that may contribute to pain-related perceptions and behaviors in medical patients and how these might affect treatment outcomes. The authors also summarize what is known about the efficacy of different pain-focused interventions in cancer patients and suggest ways that such work may be applied to other conditions. In light of evidence suggesting that pain is alarmingly undertreated in some of these populations, the authors then offer suggestions for the optimal pharmacological and psychological management of pain related to HIV infection, in particular. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). |
