Reflections on the relationship between chronic pain and family structure

Abstract

This review deals with the influence of chronic pain upon the patient's family; based mainly on the work of the Center for Pain Evaluation and Treatment (University of Pittsburgh), emphasis is made on the following aspects: 1. The multidimensional model of pain that includes biological, motivational, conductual, affective, cognitive and evaluative variables. 2. The family as etiologic and perpetuating agent of pain. 3. The negative impact of chronic pain upon the physical, sexual, psychologic, sociocultural and economic aspects of family life. 4. The importance of family evaluation as to the degree of cohesion and integration; the ability for conflict solving and the interaction pat1erns. 5. Treatment should include opportune and adequate information; the search of a meaning for the problem; the relief from pain and suffering; the offer of constant help and support and the selection of specific therapy for each situation.