Persistent pain: questions to explore in an assessment

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Persistent pain can affect routines, relationships, sleep, work and confidence. A webpage cannot determine its cause, severity or appropriate support for one person. New, changing or concerning symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. An individual assessment can consider current health information, safety, pain history, practical pressures and personal priorities. Persistent pain can have many possible causes, including musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions, inflammatory conditions, medication effects and other physical health factors. Psychological support is not a substitute for medical assessment or treatment. A therapist cannot diagnose a physical condition or advise on medication, surgery or physical treatment. Pain can be connected with depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, activity changes, social withdrawal or work difficulties. An assessment can consider the full picture rather than assuming a single explanation. Where appropriate, a clinician may discuss thoughts, emotions, avoidance, pacing, routines or valued activities in a collaborative way. Any exercise, activity plan or between session reflection should be agreed individually and should not be treated as a self directed prescription or promise of a particular result. Psychological support is not a substitute for medical assessment or treatment. The Lyceum Clinic offers an initial conversation for adults considering CBT based support in West London or online. Current availability, location arrangements and whether the service is appropriate for your needs should be checked directly. For related information, see OCD therapy at /therapy/ocd/, anxiety therapy at /therapy/anxiety/ and depression therapy at /therapy/depression/. The Lyceum Clinic offers an initial conversation for adults considering CBT based support in West London or online. Current availability, location arrangements and whether the service is appropriate for your needs should be checked directly. This does not commit you to a particular treatment route, duration or outcome. What a CBT based assessment may explore An assessment may consider the history of pain, its impact on daily life, mood, relationships and work, physical health, medication, sleep, substance use and the person's own goals. It should not assume a single cause or a fixed treatment plan. Physical symptoms should not be automatically attributed to psychological causes. New, severe or changing physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. A guide cannot diagnose a condition, advise on medication or replace medical care. Urgent safety boundaries If chronic pain is connected with thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe, a sudden marked deterioration or acute physical symptoms requiring urgent attention, seek urgent appropriate help. In immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. For related information, see anxiety therapy at /therapy/anxiety/, burnout therapy at /therapy/burnout/ and signs CBT could help at /guides/signs cbt could help you/.