Theory re. bx methods for chronic pain/illness; skills needed by psych

Question 1

Proposed that individuals who take pain medications when pain is severe, undergo a….

Answer 1

conditioning process in which escape from an aversive stimulus (pain) is reinforced by the act of taking medication with subsequent relief…
….o These environmental factors (of pain contingent medication usage, rather than time contingent) can increase pain behaviors/suffering
o Time contingent usage maintains more consistent blood levels of analgesics and reduces opportunities for maladaptive learning

Question 2

Time contingent usage maintains more consistent…

Answer 2

blood levels of analgesics and reduces opportunities for maladaptive learning

Question 3

Skills needed by psych in medical settings:

Answer 3

• To establish appropriate expectations by other professionals
• To clarify systems of referral of appropriate patients
• To present psychological opinion to other professionals
• To offer biopsychosocial model as an alternative to disease/organic model of illness

Question 4

Integration of psych perspective into medical treatment would enhance basic psych skills in other professionals, such as:

Answer 4

o Identification of anxiety, fear, and distress
o Developing listening skills
o Facilitating self-disclosure
o Management of mildly distressed patients
o Identification of patients requiring specialized psychological assessment or management
o Enhancing compliance with referral
o Identification of psychological obstacles to treatment or rehabilitation

Question 5

Would enhance tx admin, such as:

Answer 5

-Sleep hygiene, dietary changes, exercise, comorbid conditions, appointments