[Group therapy of patients with chronic pain]

51 patients suffering chronic pain, with different diagnoses, were treated in groups as outpatients using a cognitive behavioural approach. Groups of 7-8 patients met for two hours a week for six weeks. The groups were led by a team consisting of a clinical psychologist, a physiotherapist and a doctor. The patients learned about different aspects of pain, self-exercise and relaxation by selfhypnosis. Group dynamics was used to strengthen self-esteem, facilitate learning and encourage a change of attitude towards pain. Each patient answered a questionnaire about activities, level of pain, drugs and psychological symptoms before and immediately after treatment, and at follow-up one year later. At follow-up, 43% were less depressed, 70% felt less pain and 50% were more active and used less drugs.