Emotional pain: Diagnosis, significance and management

Emotional pain is one of the four components of total pain, but how it impacts on physical pain is rarely addressed. Pain involves not only the patient but also significant others, including close family members. Every physical pain has an associate emotional factor which can vary from small to highly significant. Many staff are not trained to deal with these factors as emphasis is usually on the management of physical pain only. Addressing all relevant pain issues can be time consuming. It can also be very rewarding for the patient, their family and also staff. The roots of emotional pain are often deeply imbedded in the past. Addressing these is best undertaken by a coordinated team, with each member having an updated awareness of the total scenario. If neglected, total pain – including stress and conditioned responses – can cause ongoing distress and suffering for both patient and family. This paper promotes an awareness of emotional pain and a forum for discussion. It will include diagnosis, significance and management – including the use of specific medications such as anxiolytics. The non pharmacological management will also be covered.