A pain disorder refers to a mental health condition in which a person experiences substantial distress about physical symptoms and exhibits unusual thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in response. This condition can hamper the functioning and quality of life of the individual affected. Other symptoms may include oedema, tightness, and pain, depending on the region affected.
Pain disorders cannot be explained exclusively by a medical disease, and there is evidence that psychological factors play a role in their incidence, intensity, escalation, or persistence. Although not exaggerated on purpose, pain may serve psychological purposes such as avoiding unpleasant activity or getting more attention or support from others.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- A significant shift in a person's passivity, impairment, or lethargy level.
- Heightened levels of Depression and anxiety
- Heightened levels of Inadequate sleep and exhaustion
- A profound sense of helplessness or hopelessness over the person's pain and its management.
- Confusion and disruption in personal relationships (family, friends, and/or job).
- Constant concern about probable illness
- Normal body sensations are interpreted as a symptom of serious physical illness.
- the lack of data or medical confirmation, that symptoms are serious or life-threatening
- Mistrust of medical diagnoses and treatments
- Excessive trips to a doctor or hospital that never resolve issues
Pain disorder affects a large number of people. This can include persons who have jaw, neck, and back pain, and a variety of other aches and pains. Pain problems are estimated to affect 21.9% of the general population.
The good news regarding pain disorders is that most people can experience improvement or remission as soon as an appropriate treatment plan is implemented. However, somatic pain that lasts longer than expected (More than 3 months) might progress to chronic pain, requiring a more rigorous treatment protocol.
It's critical to contact your primary care physician and/or a mental health professional if you: You're so preoccupied with your physical discomfort that you can't function. Have anxiety or depression symptoms.
Treatment plans for pain disorder typically include psychotherapy and medication, with the goal of improving a person's everyday functioning by lowering physical symptoms or increasing their capacity to cope with them.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most often utilised somatoform disorder treatment option, and it focuses on helping patients improve their thoughts and behaviors associated to the condition. CBT can educate people on how to reduce their preoccupation with their symptoms while also teaching them how to manage physical symptoms and other emotional and mental issues.
Occupational therapy (OT): Occupational therapy teaches you how to perform daily duties more effectively in order to reduce discomfort.
Alternative pain relief methods that have been proven to elevate pain disorder symptoms over time include:
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting small needles into the body.
Aromatherapy is a treatment that employs fragrant herbs and essential oils.
Biofeedback teaches you how to manipulate your body's functions, such as heart rate, respiration, and muscular tension.
