Family‐Oriented Treatment of Chronic Pain*

A short-term, family-centered, behavioral approach to chronic pain at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, where 75% of the patients and families were able to lead normally active and satisfactory lives again.

Abstract

The medical field is beginning to experiment with family‐oriented treatment and with integrating systems theory and learning theory into traditional treatment programs. This paper describes the outcome of a short‐term, family‐centered, behavioral approach to chronic pain at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. Family members were taught operant conditioning techniques which rewarded non‐pain oriented behavior in the patient. Twenty‐four patients and their families completed the Pain Treatment Program in 197A and 1975. The paper reports their level of functioning before and after the program and the work with the family system during treatment. The goals of treatment included improving family relationships, regaining occupational roles, eliminating prescription pain medication, increasing tolerance for selected exercises, and reducing use of the health care system. By treating the total family, 75% of the patients and families were able to lead normally active and satisfactory lives again.