Psychotherapy and Structured Support

Non Pharmacologic Treatment of Pain in HIV

Some patients benefit from short-term psychotherapy or more complex cognitive-behavioral interventions provided by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or psychiatric social worker. Short-term supportive psychotherapy based on a crisis intervention model can provide emotional support, continuity, and information while helping the patient adapt to the crisis. The therapist emphasizes the patient's past strengths, supports the patient's use of previously successful coping strategies, and teaches new coping skills. Studies have shown that patients with cancer who receive active, structured psychological support report less pain and live longer.^142; ⁴³⁰ ⁴³¹ Psychotherapy should be offered to patients whose pain is particularly difficult to manage (e.g., substance abusers), those who develop symptoms of clinical depression or another adjustment disorder, and those with a history of psychiatric illness.

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