Psychopharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain

Lee, Kyung Kyu

Abstract

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem and is frustrating to those who suffer from it. Psychiatrists can provide effective treatments to manage chronic pain. In addition to diagnosing and treating comorbid psychiatric disorders, psychiatrists can use psychological treatments and develop multidisciplinary methods to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients who have chronic pain. Psychiatrists are especially skilled in pharmacological treatment, especially with psychotropic agents that have proven efficacy to treat chronic pain conditions. Based on this extensive knowledge and skills in the use of psychotropic agents and the basic understanding and interest in patient dynamics, it is important for psychiatrists to be involved in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. In Korea, psychiatrists are not usually involved in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. I briefly discuss the role of psychiatrist in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. I also review psychotropic agents effective in treating chronic pain conditions and conclude that psychiatrists in Korea should be actively involved in the care of these patients.