Handbook of Pain Assessment, Second Edition

Now in a revised and expanded second edition, this classic text provides comprehensive coverage of the most advanced methods for assessing the person in pain. The volume addresses the full range of issues--physical pathology, psychosocial factors, and behavioral variables--that influence patients' perception and reporting of pain, as well as their responsiveness to treatment. Leading authorities describe the available instruments and best procedures, review their limitations and advantages, and provide practical information and guidelines for assessing prevalent pain syndromes. The volume has been updated throughout to reflect the latest research findings, conceptual developments, innovative methods, and directions for future investigation. The second edition has been substantially expanded, featuring new chapters on assessment of physical functioning, family assessment, presurgical psychological screening, assessment of psychiatric disorders, diagnostic imaging, diagnostic injections, and issues related to conducting outcomes research and clinical trials. Additionally, coverage of specific syndromes has been augmented, with new chapters on neuropathic pain, complex regional pain, and chronic pelvic pain.

Dennis C. Turk, PhD, is the John and Emma Bonica Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Research at the University of Washington. He was the recipient of the American Psychological Association, Division of Health Psychology, Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award and the American Association of Pain Management's Janet Travell Award. He has over 300 publications and has written and edited 13 volumes. Dr. Turk is currently editor-in-chief of [i]The Clinical Journal of Pain[/i].

Ronald Melzack, PhD, studied psychology at McGill University. After receiving his PhD in 1954, he spent 5 years carrying out physiological research at the University of Oregon Medical School; University College London, England; and the University of Pisa, Italy. Currently he is back at McGill University as a Professor in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Melzack developed the McGill Pain Questionnaire, which is now the most widely used measurement tool for research on pain in human subjects. In addition to more than 200 papers on research and theory, he has written and edited five books.

Drs. Turk and Melzack were recently identified among the top 10 leaders in the field of pain for their contributions to research and treatment development (survey of International Association for the Study of Pain membership, published in [i]The Pain Clinic[/i], 2001).