Pain and Patienthood

Abstract

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.