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Litigation and chronic facial pain
1Facial Pain Research Center, University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California 94115.
Journal of Orofacial Pain
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Patients with chronic facial pain involved in litigation show higher psychological distress. This suggests litigation may influence the presentation and management of chronic pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Medicine
- Medical Litigation
Background:
- Litigation in chronic pain syndromes can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
- Psychosocial factors are often prevalent in patients with chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the correlation between litigation status and psychological disturbance in chronic facial pain patients.
- To compare psychological assessment scores between patients in litigation and those not involved in litigation.
Main Methods:
- 111 chronic facial pain patients were assessed for litigation involvement.
- Psychological disturbance was measured using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).
- Beck Depression Inventory and Wahler Symptom Checklist scores were also compared.
Main Results:
- 18% of patients were involved in litigation.
- Litigation patients showed significantly higher MMPI clinical scale elevations (45% vs. 18%).
- Elevated scores on Beck and Wahler assessments were also noted in the litigation group.
Conclusions:
- Chronic facial pain patients involved in litigation may exhibit greater psychological disturbance.
- Findings suggest litigation status is a factor to consider in the assessment and treatment of chronic facial pain.
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