Other · Treatment guide
Chronic Pain
Pain persisting beyond expected healing time, often with depression, anxiety, and functional impairment.
In this guide
Overview
Goal is improved functioning and quality of life rather than pain elimination. Psychotherapy is one component of multidisciplinary pain management.
First-line treatments
- ACT — Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Strongest evidence in pain — acceptance + values-based action without waiting for pain to leave.
- CBT — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT for chronic pain — pacing, activity scheduling, cognitive work on catastrophizing.