Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 7, Number 1, January/February 1997
Resource Review
John D. Loeser, MD, Department Editor
The Psychological Management of Chronic Pain: A Treatment Manual (2nd ed.)
Reviewed by John D. Loeser, MD
H.C. Phillips & S. Rachman, Springer Publishing Company, New York, 1996, $42.95 (paperback), 286 pages, ISBN 0-8261-6111-1
This pair of books is designed for psychologists treating chronic pain patients and those patients, respectively. It is based upon the experiences of the authors' pain treatment program, and follows a standard cognitive/behavioral model for the treatment of pain in those patients who are believed to be medically stable and no longer treatable by conventional medical methods. There are excellent examples of structured interviews, assessment tools, and cognitive and behavioral strategies. There is considerable emphasis on cognitive issues and their treatment. The patient handbook is a supplement to the therapist's book, and is designed to give the patient additional resources and suggestions for implementation. Although there are many references and literature citations, this book is not designed as a review of others' treatment strategies. These books could be quite useful for those starting in this treatment activity or for those more experienced who wished to see how another successful program was constructed.
John D. Loeser is professor of neurological surgery and anesthesiology and director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Center at the University of Washington in Seattle.