This workshop will summarize knowledge regarding biopsychosocial mechanisms of chronic pain development after traumatic stress exposure. It will cite research networks and studies that have generated data researchers can use to evaluate such mechanisms as well as past and current randomized controlled trials that have tested interventions to prevent chronic pain development among those at high risk.

The workshop will describe ongoing large-study networks and studies generating public-use data to investigate mechanisms of chronic pain development, including the AURORA study. It will then outline current management approaches in U.S. and Australian emergency departments, particularly with respect to opioid prescribing. Finally, it will present data of new treatment paradigms initiated in emergency departments that seek to prevent chronic pain and unnecessary opioid prescription.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion of this session, attendees will understand the neurobiological mechanisms mediating the development of chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, related sequelae after traumatic events such as motor vehicle crash.
• Upon completion of this session, attendees will learn about ED-based research networks and ongoing large-scale studies evaluating the pathogenesis of chronic pain among individuals after traumatic stress exposure.
• Upon completion of this session, attendees will understand new treatment paradigms initiated in ED to prevent the development of chronic pain, adverse mental health outcomes, and reduce unnecessary opioid use.