1. What is Pain Management Assessment?

Pain management assessment is the scientific use of psychological tests and interviewing for purposes of evaluating your current pain management skills and your potential for using more efficient and effective coping mechanisms.

2. What role does personality testing play in pain management assessment?

Personality testing in pain management assessment is designed to evaluate how your personality style aids and hinders your activation of coping skills. It also provides a basis for assessing your current readiness to benefit from more complex and invasive procedures, such as implant procedures (e.g., spinal cord stimulator, morphine pump).

3. How can an accurate pain management assessment profile help me and my physician manage my pain more effectively?

It can help determine which emotional support services are most needed (e.g., emotional vs. cognitive therapy). It can also provide focus for assessing current psychological fitness to undergo various pain procedures.

4. What are some types of recommendations that the pain management assessment profile can provide?

The profile can point to the need for necessary psychological supports (e.g., support group, individual therapy) or the need for increased cognitive or behavior structuring (e.g., learning and practicing new behavior patterns). The profile can also recommend, if necessary, adjunct treatments for substance abuse, depression, dependency issues, or family counseling. Recommendations for psychopharmacological intervention can also be provided.