Is a psychological evaluation a requirement for patient selection?
Psychological factors have a significant influence on many chronic pain disorders. Psychological evaluation serves several purposes. It can identify psychological “risk” factors; facilitate treatment of these risk factors; facilitate patient selection to the extent to which there is a physiological origin of pain; and provide insight into a patient’s response to a screening test or treatment. The need for psychological evaluation will vary according to the nature of the patient and the nature of the pain being treated. Psychological evaluation may be invaluable in an individual with non-cancer pain, especially if the patient’s history suggests the presence of psychological factors that might complicate a good outcome. Psychological factors that are considered exclusions for implantation include active psychosis, major uncontrolled depression or anxiety, active suicidal or homicidal behaviour, serious drug or alcohol addiction problems, and serious cognitive deficits. Other factors that
Related Questions
- Why is there no psychological evaluation of space shuttle astronauts after initial selection? Will astronauts now undergo regular behavioral health assessments?
- POST’s medical selection standards do not appear to include a requirement for psychological screening. Is that correct?
- Is the psychological evaluation a requirement?
