Pain is an important issue for patients hospitalized in the ICUs because it creates discomfort and distress. In addition, research has shown that in some critical patients acute pain can persist after medical discharge and become chronic. Effective management of pain in critically ill patients requires an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates the vision and work of experts representing a wide variety of clinical specialties. Thus, the use of psychological interventions in the treatment of pain is an integral part of a comprehensive approach. Based on a review of scientific evidence, were identified and noted: (1) the most common types of pain; (2) the pain characteristics; (3) the pathologies associated with the presence of pain; (4) the procedures that generate pain in the ICU; (5) the methods of pain assessment; (6) the pain interventions and; (7) the contribution of the psychologist in the assessment and management of pain with the patient, family and health professionals. The review indicates that the psychological processes influence both the experience of pain and treatment outcomes; therefore the integration of psychological principles in the treatment of pain seems to have potential for improving health outcomes benefiting the patient.
