Those suffering from acute or chronic pain, whether it be headaches, back problems, or arthritic joints, would benefit from working with a psychiatrist or psychologist to address the emotional issues tied to their aches and pains.
Dr. Charles Argoff, professor of neurology at Albany Medical College and director of the Comprehensive Pain Center at Albany Medical Center, advises pain patients to work with a behavioral therapist, specifically a psychiatrist, to address their chronic health problems.
According to Medscape, Argoff explains that mental health disorders are tightly linked with chronic pain. Having a well-rounded treatment plan that includes physical therapy, primary care services, and psychiatric evaluation is the goal of many healthcare facilities.
Often acute pain can lead to depression or anxiety, which is why working with a therapist can be a necessity for addressing these concerns. Dr. Argoff also describes the importance for psychiatrists to see patients in a pain center and to learn about the breadth of different pain-related problems.
One blog post written by a psychiatrist delves into the ways a therapist can help improve the mental well-being of pain patients. The steps that psychologists and psychiatrists help with are outlined below.
1. Problem-solving and support.
2. Determining helpful activities.
3. Teaching skills to decrease pain.
4. Providing medication if necessary.
5. Teaching coping skills.
6. Diagnosing depression or anxiety.
7. Helping you sleep better at night.
Next time your primary care medical doctor advises you to see a specialist in mental healthcare, do take their advice and refer with a psychologist or psychiatrist. These specialists can help you better manage your acute or chronic pain.