Characteristics of Patients with Somatoform Pain Disorder
Author Information
Author(s): Lena Barth, Linda Baumbach, André Hajek, Lutz Götzmann, Katrin Feiks, Michael Rufer, Kyrill Schwegler, Bianca Schwennen, Kirstin Bernhardt, Uwe Wutzler, Paul Kaiser, Lutz Wittmann, Adrian Siegel
Primary Institution: MSH Medical School Hamburg
Hypothesis
What are the characteristics of patients with somatoform pain disorder?
Conclusion
The study identified specific and distinctive characteristics in the emotional and behavioral responses of patients with somatoform pain, potentially distinguishing them from other patients with chronic pain.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of patients experience persistent pain lasting more than 12 hours a day.
- 71% of patients report that their pain is constantly changing.
- 70% of patients feel that the pain controls them.
- 85% of patients see their pain as suffering.
- 92% of patients acknowledge that physical and emotional pain depend on each other.
Takeaway
This study looked at 200 people who feel pain that doesn't have a clear medical cause, finding that they often feel helpless and see their pain as suffering.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 patients diagnosed with somatoform pain disorder, collecting data on various pain-related topics.
Potential Biases
Potential sampling bias as the study only includes German citizens and hospitalized patients.
Limitations
The sample primarily includes hospitalized individuals, which may not represent the general population of patients with somatoform pain.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 49 years, with 80% female and 63% unable to work.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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