Pain syndromes involve a complex interaction of medical and psychological factors. In each syndrome unique physiological mechanisms are mediated by emotional states, personality traits, and environmental pressures to determine the nature and extent of pain complaints and pain-related disability. The Handbook addresses the complexities of chronic pain in three ways.

Section I describes general concerns that cross-cut the different syndromes, such as the use of narcotic pain medications, the detection of deception and malingering, and the epidemiology of pain. Section II presents comprehensive reviews of a wide range of pain syndromes. Each covers basic pathophysiology, psychological factors found to influence the course of the syndrome, and syndrome-specific multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Most of the Section II chapters are coauthored by psychologists and physicians. Section III discusses pain in special populations, including the elderly and children.

The Handbook is the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and integrated single-volume resource for all those professionally concerned with pain.