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Illness behavior and depression compared in pain center and private practice patients
Richard C Chapman1, Anders E Sola, John J Bonica
1Departments of Anesthesiology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. 98195, USA Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington and Room 340, Northgate Medical Building, Seattle, Wash. 98125, USA Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. 98195 U.S.A.
Pain
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Chronic pain patients at specialized clinics exhibit more pronounced illness behaviors and depression than those in private practice. General practitioners should avoid overemphasizing psychological factors in pain diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Chronic pain patient descriptions often stem from specialized clinics treating complex cases.
- This can lead to generalized perceptions of illness behavior and personality traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare illness behavior and depression levels between chronic pain patients at a university pain center and a private practice.
- To inform general practitioners about potential biases in diagnosing chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing two distinct patient groups.
- Assessment of illness behavior and depression using standardized measures.
Main Results:
- University of Washington Pain Center patients reported significantly higher depression levels.
- Pain center patients demonstrated greater conviction of disease, general hypochondriasis, and affect disturbance.
- Pain center patients were more somatically focused compared to private practice patients.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pain patients in referral centers differ significantly from those in general practice.
- General practitioners should be cautious not to overgeneralize findings from specialized clinics.
- Avoid overemphasizing psychological factors in diagnosis based on limited, specialized patient experiences.