Although there is no cure for this set of conditions at present, Roy (clinical health psychology, U. of Manitoba) finds that in certain cases patients can redefine themselves positively and find acceptance of chronic pain in their lives. He also admits that others cannot cope and are overwhelmed by senses of grief and loss—some react to chronic pain as they would to the death of a spouse or the loss of a limb. Chapters present case studies which illustrate the variability of patients' reactions to their illnesses, as well as how they handle additional challenges such as job loss, sexual dysfunction, old age, and family issues. The final chapter discusses how grief therapy can help chronically-ill patients confront their losses and grieve in a meaningful way. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR More Reviews and Recommendations

RANJAN ROY is a Professor in the Faculty of Social Work and the Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba. He is also Consultant (Scientific) in the Department of Anaesthesiology, St Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg.

Tags: chronic pain loss and suffering