Psychological approaches to chronic pain management: where are we coming from and where might we go?

Resumen

Psychology-based knowledge, along with the contributions of psychologists, has been instrumental for the progress of the study, assessment, and treatment of pediatric pain, particularly pediatric chronic pain. The objective of this article is to provide a brief analysis of some of the areas in which psychological-related knowledge and the work of psychologists are of special interest in relation to pediatric chronic pain. Here, we summarize the most relevant findings related to (1) the study of risk factors for the development of pediatric chronic pain, (2) psychological treatment, and especially cognitive-behavioral interventions when used with youths with chronic pain, and (3) the incorporation of information and communication technologies, particularly mobile technology for the evaluation and treatment of young people with chronic pain.