Preface to the Special Issue on Pain Management

The World Health Organization (2004) estimates that 60 million people suffer from chronic noncancer pain (CP). The preface to the Special Issue on Pain Management reviews the prevalence rates of chronic noncancer pain (CP) in various countries around the world and the rate of comorbid health and psychological conditions. The article lists the topics covered in the journal which focus on treatment of chronic pain conditions. Article topics cover general treatment approaches, psychological assessment instruments, the psychological interview of the CP patient, and the treatment of insomnia and sleep disturbances, two major sequelae of CP. Best practice guidelines in the treatment of chronic pain call for referral for cognitive behavior therapy. However, rational emotive behavior therapy has failed to enter this field in any significant manner. The preface makes a special call to rational emotive behavior therapists to enter the field of pain management.