Pain and patienthood.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to identify possible differences between chronic pain patients (consumers) and persons with chronic pain lasting > 1 year who had not consulted a doctor because of the pain during the last year (nonconsumers). Group differences were studied from the perspective of a stress-response model and a taxometric approach to chronic pain.


METHODS
Both samples were compared on data acquired through questionnaires. Data-reduction techniques were applied.


RESULTS
Nonconsumers differ from patients who are still seeking a medical solution for their pain problem. These differences are reflected in lower levels of distorted cognition, less pain-related distress, higher activity levels, and higher levels of internal orientation. Furthermore, nonconsumers used fewer analgesics.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonconsumers appear to lead a "better life" with pain than do chronic pain patients who still wish to lead a life without pain. The idea of having learned to live with pain can be very meaningful and could cause a change in quality of life (QOL). We suggest that this may be a very legitimate goal for interventions.
Reitsma
B
B
Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Meijler
W J
WJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors