Psychological factors in the long-term prognosis of chronic low back pain patients.
This study appraised the significance of psychological factors in the long-term prognosis of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). The MMPI ratings of 80 long-term sick-listed LBP patients were set in relation to their disability pension status 6 to 12 years later. The number of elevated scales, in combination with the level of certain scales (HS and HY), proved to be a better predictor than profile patterns, advocated in some studies. Moreover, in a review of prognostic studies, the HS and HY scales appeared most frequently as significant predictors. That result also was confirmed in this study of long-term prediction of overall functional level. The results are discussed in relation to the concepts of pain-fear and sick role.
Akerlind
I
I
University of Linköping, Sweden.
Hörnquist
J O
JO
Bjurulf
P
P
D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D008950:MMPI / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role