Psychological functioning and bodily conditions in patients with pain disorder associated with psychological factors

A sample of chronic pain patients (N = 40) was described with reference to defence mechanisms, interpersonal problems, psychological symptoms and bodily conditions. The relationships between pain intensity and different psychological and bodily indexes were examined. The defence mechanisms of somatization and denial measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) characterized the sample. Interpersonal relations were typically overly nurturant, exploitable, non-assertive and socially avoidant according to the circumplex version of Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-C). Somatization, obsession, depression and anxiety were the highest symptom scales on the Symptom Check-List 90, revised (SCL-90-R). The Comprehensive Body Examination (CBE) produced moderate findings mainly reflecting stiffness, and the intensity of pain was medium high. The MMPI psychosomatic pattern, the combined IIP-C index consisting of the elevated subscales, and the elevated subscales on SCL-90-R were all moderately correlated with pain intensity. Contrary to our prediction, the global bodily stiffness score was unrelated to pain.