Pain Sensitivity, Age and Activity Level in Chronic Schizophrenics and in Normals

Abstract

Merskey, Gillis, and Marszalek (1962) reported that in chronic schizophrenic patients reaction to pain was greatest in those patients showing either over-activity or under-activity as measured by a ward activity rating scale. They also reported a significant difference between certain age groups, the oldest and youngest age groups showing the greatest reaction to pain. The authors attributed the difference between age groups to the effects of tranquillizing drugs, since there existed a high correlation between age groups and their dosage of such drugs. It was concluded that ward behaviour in schizophrenics is a poor indicator of their sensitivity to stimulation.