Psychiatric assessment and management of chronic pain

Abstract Chronic pain is enduring and goes beyond the expected period of healing for an injury, whether traumatic, surgical, or as part of a degenerative or progressive disease. Pain is considered chronic when it persists beyond a six-month window. Another characteristic that distinguishes chronic from acute pain is the emotional element of perceived suffering. This component of chronic pain may be subject to psychological or psychiatric intervention. Chronic pain management in a carceral setting is challenging due to a host of factors, including comorbid substance use disorders and significant chronic medical and psychiatric conditions. This chapter addresses the psychiatric assessment and management of chronic pain in carceral settings. It discusses the information to be elicited in a chronic pain interview and methods used to assess chronic pain. Finally, it reviews the formulation of an effective management plan, including close coordination with a treatment team, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and pharmacological management options.