VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw
Psychogenic pain often makes it impossible to function normally. It is a source of frustration for patients and their families. Many people struggle with it for years and search for its source, and in fact, psychogenic pain is caused by chronic stress and suffering. What are its types and what is the treatment like?
Psychogenic painoccurs most often when a person feels depressed, stressed or has he alth problems. It strengthens in response to stressful situations and experiencing strong negative emotions. Although its perception is closely related to the mental state, patients often do not realize it and do not combine these two facts.
What is psychogenic pain?
Psychogenic pain is manifested by prolonged, strong and persistent pain, the origin of which is not explained either by the presence of somatic disorders or by physiological processes. However, despite the lack of its specific origin, it can be felt in one or more parts of the body.
It often worsens the course of somatic diseases, i.e. those related to actual pain. Over time, the pain becomes so severe that it is difficult to function normally and perform daily activities.
Psychogenic pain should not be confused with headache tension, migraines or pain complaints associated with depression.
Types of psychogenic pain
There are two types of psychogenic pain:
- acute, chronic pain that comes on so quickly and disappears as quickly as possible
- and chronic pain that lasts for months, and sometimes even years.
The one that occurs only once wears off quickly and is not strong. It also does not require medical intervention. However, when it is strong, chronic and persistent, it requires medical consultation and treatment.
Background of psychogenic pain
The origin of psychogenic pain has not yet been elucidated, but most often it occurs with:
- anxiety disorders,
- depressed,
- or bipolar disorder.
It can accompany panic attacks, and sometimes is a remnant of illness and difficultexperiences affecting the mental he alth of the patient.
Psychogenic pain is complained not only by adults, but also by children who feel rejected and seek love and attention from their loved ones.
Afflictions of unknown origin may arise in the event of a parent's divorce, the loss of a loved one, but also when the child feels rejected and deprived of the parents' attention.
How to recognize psychogenic pain?
Psychogenic pain most often appears in the chest, it radiates to the neck and shoulders, and thus resembles a heart attack. People experiencing this pain also complain of pain in the head, back, abdomen and muscles. While it can affect anyone, it is more common in women.
A patient experiencing psychogenic pain does not realize that there are emotional and mental problems behind it. When, after visiting many specialists and carrying out dozens of tests, the cause of pain is still unknown, even greater fear and anxiety arise. That is why it is so important that specialists take into account the emotional state of the patient during the medical interview.
If the source of the pain is difficult to determine, the use of various treatment methods does not bring improvement, and there are also depressive symptoms, then most likely it is psychogenic pain.
Psychogenic Pain Treatment
Treatment of psychogenic pain, as well as its diagnosis, is a challenge for both the doctor and the patient. A correct diagnosis can only be made after all possible causes of pain have been ruled out.
Treatment of psychogenic pain is a long and complicated process. Most often it includes pharmacological treatment and family therapy. However, patients often displace the diagnosis and do not want to be persuaded to start therapy. They take painkillers and look for other forms of pain treatment.