Current state of psychological therapies for children and adults with chronic pain: Where next?

Abstract

Pain is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors. Whilst analgesics are often prescribed for chronic pain, they provide little benefit for most patients. Psychological therapies manage pain and disability in children and adults with chronic pain. Evidence for cognitive behavioural therapies is the most robust in the field, although benefits are modest. Technological innovation has led to Internet-delivered therapies, but innovation in research often lags behind technological developments due to funding and regulation. Despite the promising outlook, critical gaps in our knowledge of how to manage pain need addressing for both adults and children and their parents. Here we summarise the evidence base of psychological therapies using Cochrane reviews, gaps, and the role of preventing chronic pain onset.