CHRONIC PAIN
American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Why Practitioners Need Information
- By far the most common painful condition found among older adults is osteoarthritis.
- Assessment and diagnosis of pain are typically more complicated in older adults than in younger adults. However, it is important that the condition be evaluated thoroughly, as pain complaints may mask a major depressive disorder.
- Depression is often associated with chronic pain. This is especially true among older adults in which the two may coexist and interact. In addition, boredom, loneliness, and bereavement can influence the perception and report of pain.
- Pain behavior may be reinforced inadvertently by well-meaning family members and others who pay more attention to the individual when he or she is complaining of pain than when there are no physical complaints.
