Der Schmerz
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Multicenter Study
[Relationship of depression and anxiety with social desirability in chronic pain patients].
This study examines the extent of self-reported pain and psychological distress in chronic pain patients and the influence of social desirability on the data collected. ⋯ Both psychological distress and social desirability are common in chronic pain patients. Patients with high scores for social desirability reveal less depression and anxiety. The psychological distress caused by pain seems to be expressed by somatic complaints and therapy seeking. Since pain research is strongly dependent on the patient's self-report, social desirability should be considered as a factor which may impact measurements and decisions.