Nervousness and pain sensitivity: I. A positive correlation.
Neuroanatomical studies suggest a close interrelationship between brainstem centers regulating arousal and pain sensitivity. Nervousness, as assessed with a Visual Analog Scale, and pain sensitivity, as assessed with a cold pressor test, were used to clarify whether a physiological association of nervousness and pain sensitivity can be found in healthy subjects. Forty healthy volunteers were included in the study. We demonstrate a significant positive correlation between self-rated nervousness and pain threshold. These data suggest that there is a coupling between nervousness and endogenous pain control. Based on the results, a nervousness-pain-threshold quotient was calculated as a possible measure of the interrelationship of the endogenous pain control system to autonomic activity. A different nervousness-pain-threshold quotient, indicating a different coupling, may provide information on changes in accessory neurophysiologic functions.
Department of General Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of Graz, Austria.
M
M
Lehofer
P M
PM
Liebmann
M
M
Moser
K
K
Schauenstein
D000328:Adult; D000698:Analgesia / Q000523:psychology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*