Despite the proliferation of pain clinics and various pain-oriented therapies, there is an absence of data supporting any substantial change in the statistics regarding the incidence, development and persistence of pain. As renowned pain clinician and scientist Daniel M. Doleys argues, there may be a need for a fundamental shift in the way we view pain. In this thoughtful work, Doleys presents the evolving concept and complex nature of pain with the intention of promoting a broadening of the existing paradigm within which pain is viewed and understood. Combining neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy of science, this book reviews the history of pain and outlines the current concepts and theories regarding the mechanisms involved in the experience of pain. Experimental and clinical research in a broad array of areas including neonatal pain, empathy and pain, psychogenic pain, and genetics and pain is summarized. The notion of pain as a disease process rather than a symptom is highlighted. Although there is a continued interest in activation of the peripheral nociceptive system as a determining factor in the experience of pain, the growing appreciation for the brain as the intimate 'pain generator' is emphasized. The definition of consciousness and conscious awareness and a theory as to how it relates to nociceptive processing is discussed. Finally, the author describes the potential benefit of incorporating some of the concepts from systems and quantum theory into our thinking about pain. The area of pain research and treatment seems on the precipice of change. This work intends to provide a glimpse of what these changes might be in the context of where pain research and therapy has come from, where it currently is, and where it might be headed.

Part of the What Do I Do Now? Pain Medicine series, Psychological and Psychiatric Issues in Patients with Chronic Pain presents a variety of succinct case studies and "curb-side" consults on the complexity of chronic pain and its successful management. Chapters present models for understanding issues related to chronic pain within a psycho-social context, including cases on specific psychological or psychiatric issues, as well as broad considerations such as selecting among behavioral therapies options and the use of complementary therapies and non-opioid analgesics. Recognizing that most clinicians do not always have the time or resources to conduct the type of psychological assessment that each case may require, chapters focus on the key elements of each diagnosis, covering background information, assessment approach, treatment recommendations, and key points to remember.