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Chronic pain as a learned experience: Emory University Pain Control Center.
NIDA Research Monograph
|May 1, 1981
Summary
Chronic pain is often a socioeconomic condition where pain behavior exceeds biomedical findings. Accurate diagnosis requires evaluating both biomedical data and socioeconomic factors, especially for disability claims.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Psychosocial Factors in Health
- Disability Evaluation
Background:
- Chronic pain frequently presents with behaviors disproportionate to biomedical findings.
- Socioeconomic factors significantly influence pain behavior and disability ratings.
- Current diagnostic approaches may not adequately integrate psychosocial and biomedical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the socioeconomic component of chronic pain.
- To emphasize the need for integrated assessment of biomedical and behavioral variables in chronic pain diagnosis.
- To introduce the Emory Pain Estimate Model and vocational evaluation techniques for chronic pain patients.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on chronic pain, socioeconomic factors, and disability.
- Description of the Emory Pain Estimate Model for diagnosis.
- Presentation of vocational evaluation techniques.
- Outline of the Emory Pain Control Program structure.
Main Results:
- Chronic pain patients often exhibit pain behaviors exceeding objective biomedical evidence.
- Disability ratings can be disproportionate to physical impairment due to socioeconomic influences.
- Integrated assessment of biomedical, behavioral, and vocational factors is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pain should be viewed as a conditioned socioeconomic disease requiring a multifactorial diagnostic approach.
- The Emory Pain Estimate Model offers a framework for integrating diverse patient data.
- Comprehensive vocational evaluation is essential for disability claims in chronic pain patients.