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Emotional adjustment and chronic pain.
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontarion and London Psychiatric Hospital, 850 Highbury Avenue, London, Ont. Canada.
Pain
|August 1, 1978
Summary
Chronic pain patients with organic causes reported fewer childhood family issues and premorbid personality problems than those without organic pain. Emotional disturbance in chronic pain may often be a secondary effect, not directly linked to organic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Previous research indicates emotional disturbance in chronic pain patients may not solely stem from organic lesions.
- This study investigates the relationship between organic causes of pain and psychological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the life experiences, including upbringing and personality traits, of chronic pain patients with and without organic causes.
- To determine if emotional disturbance in chronic pain is a primary or secondary effect.
Main Methods:
- Examined 141 chronic pain patients.
- Assessed current and premorbid life experiences: upbringing, neurotic traits, and personality disturbance.
- Compared patients with and without identified organic causes for their pain.
Main Results:
- Patients with organic pain causes reported significantly less childhood family disturbance.
- Patients with organic pain causes showed fewer premorbid personality problems and neurotic traits.
- Differences were also observed in pain descriptors and exacerbating/relieving factors between the groups.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of emotional disturbance associated with chronic pain appears to be a secondary effect.
- The presence or absence of an organic cause influences the psychological profile of chronic pain patients.