Overview of formal psychological interventions for pain management

Formal psychological interventions aim to help people identify and challenge unhelpful patterns of interpreting and responding to pain, and learn more adaptive alternatives. Pain relief may be achieved but is not the primary goal; the aim is to improve function and quality of life even if pain persists.

Formal psychological interventions combine a psychological therapy (eg cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy) with other specific techniques (eg goal setting, exercise, hypnosis). Combined, the efficacy of each component is improved.

Formal psychological interventions are delivered by trained healthcare providers (eg psychologists). Early identification of patients who may benefit is important; see When to refer to a psychologist.

Large randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that psychological intervention for adults improves pain, functioning, mood or quality of life, in the short- to medium-term. It also improves pain and disability in children and adolescents, especially those with recurrent headache.