The Clinical journal of pain
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We examined the relationship between pain distribution and measures of self-reported behavioral functioning, pain intensity, frequency, and quality in 51 patients with chronic pain. Results indicate that patients with more distributed pain report their pain as more disruptive to important areas of functioning and also report their pain as more intense and frequent. These results corroborate previous findings and suggest that pain distribution may be used as a useful clinical marker of disability status in chronic pain patients.
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This study examined the extent to which being involved in civil and industrial litigation predicted outcome in an population of chronic pain patients. Data were collected in a structured telephone interview for a litigant group of 80 patients and a nonlitigant group of 47 patients. There were no significant differences in the amount of medication used, the number of hours spent resting per day, or the number of individuals who were able to return to work. ⋯ Litigation was found to be the primary predictor of Zung depression scores. Discriminant function analyses indicated that litigation was not the most important variable in distinguishing between those working and not working. Results lend support to previous studies that suggest that the suspicion and disbelief with which litigating patients are often treated is unfounded.
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Previous findings in patients with nonmalignant pain indicate a relationship between pain coping strategies and psychological factors. Although coping strategies have been explored in patients with cancer pain, relationships with such factors have not been reported. We wished to examine relationships between selected pain and psychological variables and the use of pain coping strategies. ⋯ Pain intensity and state anxiety demonstrated similar relationships. Pain quality as measured with the MPQ demonstrated moderately strong correlation with diverting attention, praying and hoping, catastrophizing, and increased activity. Interventions aimed at reinforcing or expanding a patient's pain coping repertoire should be developed with consideration given to the patient's anxiety level, pain intensity, pain quality, and pain expression preference.
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Relationships between locus of control beliefs (HLC), psychological distress (GHQ-12), and coping strategies were studied in 415 subjects with low back pain (LBP) (2 of 3 were men, with a mean age of 45 years). Those with more external beliefs and symptoms of psychological distress reported more severe LBP. ⋯ Irrespective of the degree of LBP, use of more active behavioral coping strategies were more frequent in subjects who had strong beliefs in internal control over back pain. In addition, catastrophizing thoughts were more frequent in subjects who had symptoms of psychological distress.