Chronic pain and the psychiatrist.

The contribution of psychiatry to the evaluation and treatment of chronic pain is described. Psychological profiles may predict the outcome of surgery, while the psychiatric interview enhances understanding and may disclose formal psychiatric disorder. The measurement of pain is dependent on factors affecting pain complaint, and the psychiatrist can only accept the patient's experience. The reaction inhibition test and Chapman's Somatic, Anxiety, Depression (SAD) index provide ways of elucidating the functional versus organic dilemma. This is further understood by attention to the concepts of operant pain, the sick role, and illness behaviour. Psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, behaviour therapy, biofeedback, and distractional methods are the tools available to the psychiatrist. The patient's attitude and a combined physical and psychiatric approach are important for successful therapy.