A normal psychology of chronic pain

Pain functions primarily as an alarm, working to interrupt all other concerns, goals, desires and motivations, and impose a new priority of escaping pain or its causes. For most people in most situations pain is only temporary. Sometimes, however, pain proves to be long-lasting and untreatable - which we call 'chronic'. Chronic pain is for many a wholly destructive experience, characterised by equally chronic distress and disability. Adopting a 'normal psychology of pain' enables a focus on the actions that people take to change their lives. Cognitive behavioural therapies have been developed that offer significant promise to both adults and young people in chronic pain, and the pipeline for new developments in CBT, including e-health innovation, is rich.