Is chronic pain associated with somatization/hypochondriasis? An evidence-based structured review.
METHODS
This is an evidence-based structured review.


OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this review were to answer the following questions: (1) Are somatization/hypochondriasis associated with chronic pain? (2) Is the degree of somatization/hypochondriasis related to pain levels? (3) Does pain treatment improve somatization/hypochondriasis? (4) Are some pain diagnoses differentially associated with somatization/hypochondriasis?


METHODS
Fifty-seven studies which fulfilled inclusion criteria and had high quality scores were sorted by the above-mentioned objectives. Agency for health care policy and research guidelines were utilized to type and characterize the strength/consistency of the study evidence within each objective.


RESULTS
Somatization and hypochondriasis were both consistently associated with chronic pain (consistency ratings B and A, respectively). Study evidence indicated a correlation between pain intensity and presence of somatization and hypochondriasis (consistency rating A and B, respectively). Pain treatment improved somatization and hypochondriasis (consistency rating B and A, respectively). Some chronic pain diagnostic groups somatized more (consistency rating B).


CONCLUSIONS
Somatization is commonly associated with chronic pain and may relate to pain levels.
Fishbain
David A
DA
Department of Psychiatry, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA. d.fishbain@miami.edu
Lewis
John E
JE
Gao
Jinrun
J
Cole
Brandly
B
Steele Rosomoff
R
R
D001244:Association; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods