Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract Pain is the hallmark symptom of sickle cell disease. Vaso-occlusive pain crises are multifactorial in origin. Medical and psychological complications affect the perception of pain. A biopsychosocial model of pain uses a holistic approach to conceptualize the factors that contribute to the pain experience. Sickle cell disease predominantly affects people of color, and perceived injustice as well as health-related stigma and racial bias have all contributed to feelings of mistrust and often lead to negative health outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease. The opioid crisis in the United States has inadvertently had a negative effect on access to pain medications for people with sickle cell disease. Mood disorders and pain catastrophizing also negatively impact pain crises in sickle cell disease. Remediation and treatment of pain in sickle cell disease include the development of coping skills and psychological adjustment skills and the guidance of a multidisciplinary health care team that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and psychologists.