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Psychiatric aspects of chronic pain
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco 94143-0984, USA.
Neurology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Chronic pain is often linked to psychiatric conditions like somatization and depression. Differentiating these requires understanding patient awareness of symptom motivation and production for effective pain management.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Chronic pain complaints frequently involve psychiatric factors.
- Physicians often observe "illness-affirming behaviors" where symptoms exceed disease expectations.
Observation:
- Common psychiatric conditions associated with pain include somatization disorder, hypochondriasis, factitious physical disorders, pain with psychological factors, and malingering.
- Distinguishing these conditions relies on assessing conscious awareness of motivation and symptom production.
- Other disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can influence chronic pain without directly causing it.
Findings:
- Except for malingering and factitious pain, chronic pain is generally considered genuine.
- Psychiatric disorders significantly impact the experience and presentation of chronic pain.
Implications:
- Effective chronic pain management necessitates integrating both psychiatric and biological treatment approaches.
- Recognizing the interplay between mental health and chronic pain is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient care.
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