Abstract
Objective: To assess the frequency and characteristics of somatoform disorders in patients with chronic pain. Method: The study took place in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a rehabilitation hospital. Participants were interviewed using the World Health Organization Somatoform Disorders Schedule (WHO-SDS) version 2.0. Thirty new and 30 current attendees to the clinic were interviewed following referral by pain medicine specialists. Results: Somatoform disorders were commonly co-morbid with chronic pain in the study population. Persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD) was the commonest somatoform disorder. There was a significant difference between women and men suffering from somatic autonomic dysfunction (SAD). Conclusions: The findings of this study confirm that somatoform disorders are common co-morbid diagnoses in patients with chronic pain. Combining psychological treatments with medication, appropriate physical treatments and attending to social issues, may indeed improve the well-being of such patients. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2013.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 66-70 |
Journal | Australasian Psychiatry |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |