BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Notwithstanding several studies pointing to a relationship between psychological aspects and pain, the scientific literature still lacks articles specifically addressing the psychological assessment process. This study aimed at answering to three questions: Why, when and how to refer painful patients to a psychological assessment? With this, we intend to cooperate with professionals of different areas by offering them guidelines about major indications for psychological assessment, what should be expected from this process and how to effectively refer patients.
CONTENTS:
The following databases were searched: Medline, LILACS, Pubmed and Scielo, by crossing the terms "psychology", "pain", "psychology interview" and "psychological tests". In addition, we looked for articles having in the title or abstract the words "psychological assessment" or "psychological evaluation" and "pain" - since the two former terms are not descriptors identified in Health Sciences Descriptors. Studies between 2002 and 2013 were considered, being included only those specifically mentioning psychological assessment, resulting in 11 articles in total.
CONCLUSION:
From selected studies, all have pointed to justifications about the importance of psychological assessment of painful patients. As to indications to psychological assessment, seven articles have addressed the subject. The major gap was related to how to refer patients. Only one out of 11 articles has addressed this subject. Further studies may, in the future, better explore this aspect.
Pain; Psychological interview; Psychology