The biopsychosocial model - Explanation of chronic pain disorders
Channel: Deutsches Kinderschmerzzentrum
Date: 2020-10-12

What exactly is the biopsychosocial model and what does it have to do with the development and maintenance of chronic primary pain?  In the development of chronic pain, biological, psychological and social factors all play a role.  These three factors can overlap and influence each other. The onset of a chronic pain disorder can start from any of the three areas. In the case of chronic primary pain, the pain occurs as an independent disease and is not just a consequence of tissue damage or an underlying organic disease. Based on this model, therapy for chronic pain can only be effective if the biological, psychological and social dimensions of the individual with pain are taken into account. A multimodal treatment approach with non-pharmaceutical strategies that include all three factors is essential.

References:
Dobe, M. & Zernikow, B. Practical Treatment Options for Chronic Pain in 
   Children and Adolescents, Springer, 2nd ed. 2019
Gatchel, R.J., Peng, Y.B., Peters, M.L., Fuchs, P.N., & Turk, D.C. (2007). The biopsychosocial 
   approach to chronic pain: Scientific advances and future directions. 
   Psychological Bulletin 133, 581-624.
Zernikow, B. (Hrsg.). Schmerztherapie bei Kindern, Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen, 
   5. vollständig überarbeitete und erweiterte Auflage, Springer, 2015.

Further information and scientific literature references on chronic pain in children, adolescents and young adults: 
https://www.deutsches-kinderschmerzzentrum.de/en/
https://www.uni-wh.de/gesundheit/department-fuer-humanmedizin/lehrstuehle-institute-und-zentren/lehrstuhl-fuer-kinderschmerztherapie-und-paediatrische-palliativmedizin/ 
https://www.pain-t.app/en

The film is based on scientific content. It was created by former Fix and Foxi chief draftsman Bone Buddrus and set to music by "Bows To Hymns".

This film was developed as part of the project “APPLAUS for young adults” (App-based therapy for long-term implementation of pain management strategies for young adults). This project is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia using funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the ERDF NRW 2014-2020 (EFRE-0801059). You can find more information on funding at: www.leitmarktagentur.nrw.