The Clinical journal of pain
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To examine the literature for evidence that psychological factors predispose certain individuals to development of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). ⋯ The data reviewed are consistent with a theoretical model in which depression, anxiety, or life stressors may influence development of RSD through their effects on alpha-adrenergic activity. However, conclusions regarding etiological significance of these factors are not possible due to the dearth of high-quality studies. Suggestions for prospective research are described.
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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is an enigmatic condition. Many clinicians, however, believe that psychological factors could contribute to the onset and persistence of the syndrome. ⋯ An etiopathogenetic hypothesis based on the authors' clinical experience and the foregoing literature also encompasses elements of stress-coping theory, cognitive-behavioral views on chronic pain, and the psychobiological approach to sympathetic nervous system dysfunction. Implications of this model for future psychological research and the therapeutic treatment of RSD are discussed.