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Where to from Here for Psychological Treatments for Pain

Ronald Melzack Award

Pain is best thought of as a motivation to avoid harm. In this lecture, Dr. Eccleston presents a novel tripartite system of embodied defense that explains the function and experience of all physical sensations as targeted on helping to protect, and maintain current behavior. Current and future forms of psychological interventions for chronic pain are mapped against this system and the evidence for the efficacy and safety is explored. From attempts at psychoanalgesia and attention management, via cognitive behavioral therapy, to virtual reality there is depth to the investment in effective treatments for chronic pain. The next generation of psychological interventions for chronic pain will be richer in variety, in personalisation, and in relevance.The significant gaps in our evidence, and the areas ripe for development are reviewed and discussed.That future relies on our progress in forging intellectual alliance between neurobiology and psychology, in basing clinical science on psychological theory, and in embracing an openness for development: patients and practitioners deserve choices. Adopting an ‘embodied pain’ framework will allow us to understand pain not only as sensation but as motivated action always in the context of threat.

Credit: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower and the International Association for the Study of Pain. The Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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