The psychological management of pain:a case report and overview of techniques

A serviceman seriously injured in battle after recovery from his initial injuries developed severe stabbing pain in his left leg. The pain was persistent, distressing and caused significant functional impairment. The pain failed to remit with pharmacotherapy which included sub cutaneous morphine. At the time of referral the pain had lasted 18 months. The patient was treated with six sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy with significant reduction of his pain. Nine months later, on follow-up, he was pain free and functioning almost normally. The principles of psychological management of pain are also discussed.