[Psychological factors of chronic pain]

To investigate psychological factors, involved in formation of chronic algesic syndrome, 70 patients (50 women, 20 men, mean age--33.5 years) with panic disorder (PD) were examined. The patients were divided into 3 groups: with PD combined with chronic ache (CA) (26 patients); with PD combined with episodical ache (EA) (19 cases); PD without ache (25 individuals). Algesic phenomena were estimated according to "Algesic anamnesis of life" questionnaire; depression level was estimated according to Back's and Hamilton's Rating tests; the level of reactive and personality anxiety--according to Spilberger's inventory test. Severity of psychopathologic syndromes was estimated according to SCL Rating Scale. It was demonstrated that patients with CA and PD have a more significant role of depression in course of the disease as compared with anxiety; prevalence of functional-neurological symptoms in clinical pattern of PD (atypicalness); high level of somatization and a lot of algesic stresses in their life. Factors that prevent chronization of the ache were the following ones: degree of manifestation and the significance of phobic anxiety in the course of the disease, restricting behavior, atypical PD and less number of pain episodes in life.