[Psychological pain therapy].

Psychologic strategies for the treatment of chronic pain are an important component of the necessary multidimensional treatment for patients in chronic pain. These techniques including relaxation training, biofeedback, hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy have demonstrated efficacy. The impact of these techniques is on the sensory aspect of pain and the psychologic distress and on the maladaptive coping mechanism people develop in response to pain. In Germany there are still several impediments for the consequent application of psychologic strategies for patients with chronic pain. These impediments and possible solutions are discussed.