Aspectos neurobiólogies, psicológicos y sociales del sufrimiento

Pain and its treatment have not been excluded from the cartesian dualistic conceptualisation considering mind and body as separate entities without apparent relation in between. This model has been used more than needed by clinicians, even though empirical evidence supports a whole new vision: the "total pain" definition entails more value today than ever, given than joins together the concepts of pain and nociceptive neuromatrix and makes possible the interchange of pain and suffering, as they both are considered responses to threat. The present article reviews the current evidence derived from Neurobiology, Psychology and socio-cultural studies regarding controversies on pain and suffering, both in cancer and non-cancer patients. It concludes on the need to maintain a broad focus in pain management including biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects.