[Psychosomatic aspects of pain perception by the elderly--results of the ELDERMEN Study]

115 geriatric in-patients are included in the current study examining relationships between regions of experienced pain, subjective pain intensity, and psychological variables. An investigation of the connection between psychosomatic limitations (BSS) and pain indicated, that pain patients do not necessarily require psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic treatment (in our study only 21.6%). 61.7% of the study sample reported intense pain at least one body region. These patients differed significantly from those with less pain in terms of their level of functional capacity and need for assistance in daily activities (ADL/IADL). They also displayed a significantly more negative attitude towards aging (PGC) than patients with minimal pain. Hierarchical cluster analyses for applied coping strategies produced five groups within the subgroup of patients suffering from extreme pain. Only within one group "depression" was a significant reaction to health-problems. These results make clear that most of the patients with extreme pain are able to cope effectively with pain.