This interdisciplinary theme will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians, as it encompasses medical and non-medical healthcare professionals and touches on various fields. Chronic pain and mental health disorders (such as major depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder) are interconnected public health issues with growing prevalence, often coexisting and worsening each other’s impact.

The biopsychosocial approach has transformed the management of chronic pain, emphasizing the need to consider biological, psychological, and social factors. The congress will explore the interplay between chronic pain and mental health disorders, including common risk factors, shared neurobiological mechanisms, and the potential for precision medicine using biomarkers as key aspects while also underlining the importance of reducing stigma, addressing substance-use disorder, and recognizing the unique needs of vulnerable populations, children, and the elderly.

Additionally, #EFIC2025 will examine the intersection of cancer-related pain and mental health and provide an opportunity for collaborative workshops with psychology and psychiatry organizations.