Pros And Cons Of Psychodynamic And Biological Approach To Pain

Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that has been a topic of interest for philosophers and scientists throughout history. As an abstract concept, it is difficult to objectively approach pain. Although the biological approach is a modernly desired way of viewing things due to its nature in the “real world”, its sole use is not sufficient. In my essay, I will longitudinally explore the history of pain while explaining the “pros” and “cons” of each approach.

The idea of pain first had roots in the work of philosophers such as René Descartes and Thomas Hobbes. In his Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes argued that pain was a purely physical phenomenon that could be objectively measured and quantified (René Descartes, 1989). Furthermore,

Instead of treating pain as a purely physical phenomenon, healthcare practitioners began to approach pain as a complex experience unique to each individual. This approach involved considering the patient's emotional and psychological state and physical symptoms.

One example of this approach is using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating chronic pain. CBT is a talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It has been shown to effectively reduce the severity of chronic pain and improve the quality of life for patients. As we discussed earlier in the semester with regards to Hamlet, a person’s mental state can very largely impact their perception of their own pain and suffering. Since CBT gives an ability of thinking positively to a patient, it gives them the ability to understand situations in a different way and therefore less

One of their patients, John, has been diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer and is experiencing chronic pain. John's pain is subjective, and he describes it as a constant ache that varies in intensity. As a healthcare professional, the team faces the paradox of pain as subjective versus objective. They need to classify John's pain to determine the appropriate treatment approach while also recognizing the subjective nature of his pain.

The team decides to take a patient-centered approach to explore this paradox. First, they engage with John to understand his unique experience of pain, asking him about the pain's location, intensity, and quality. They also ask about his emotional and psychological state, as these factors can influence pain. Through this process, the team better understands John's subjective experience of