Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 18, Number 2, 2008
Resource Reviews
John D. Loeser, MD, Department Editor
Pain Management in Older Adults: A Self-Help Guide
Reviewed by John D. Loeser, MD
Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, Heather Hadjistavropoulos (Eds.). Seattle, IASP Press, 2008. Soft cover, 201 pages, ISBN 978-0-931092-70-1, $29.95 (IASP Members: US $25.95).
This soft cover, large-print format manual addresses the needs and concerns of older adults who experience chronic pain. It is mainly a self-help program based upon cognitive/behavioral principles of pain management modified to be more useful in older adults. Physical aspects are nicely illustrated; there are worksheets, lists, and other devices to improve learning. An appendix includes resources in the English-speaking world and there are key references listed for each chapter. All of the suggestions and management plans described in the book are mainline multidisciplinary pain clinic strategies. It is a pleasure to see a book aimed at those who suffer from chronic pain that does not resort to alternative medical strategies of little proven benefit. Furthermore, the book carries the strong message that reducing one’s pain is a function of the physical and psychological work that the sufferer undertakes.
This book is a new direction for IASP Press, all of whose prior publications have been aimed at the scientific and clinical pain communities. It remains to be seen if sales of a volume such as this will be sufficient to allow IASP to address the lay public with future publications. Pain Management in Older Adults sets a high standard both for content and presentation for such publications. I think that this book could be an important accessory for those who provide care to the geriatric population. The editors have done a good job informing the public about the principles of pain management.
Dr. Loeser is Professor of Neurological Surgery and Anesthesiology at the University of Washington in Seattle.