[Psychiatric approach to problems of pain]

The problem of pain is presented from a liaison-psychiatric point of view. Pain is a frequent symptom of medical illness but may also be a manifestation of a psychiatric disorder or a psychological condition, as in the somatization of affect. Pain is not only a symptom but also a set of behaviors, an expression of personality traits, and a personal way of coping. Hence pain as such affects the patient's interaction with his environment, including the medical staff. Psychiatric approaches to treating pain include explorative and supportive psychotherapy, behavioral and cognitive therapy, hypnosis, relaxation, biofeedback and group therapy. 4 cases are presented which demonstrate the physician's understanding of the patient's psychological condition, the combined treatment of the pain problem and related limitations and applications.