Dear Kevin,
There is one major problem IMO: the chicken or the egg-question. I'd suggest
we realise that patients with serious physical problems can get
psychologically ill because of them. As far as I know, there is no paper
instrument that can determine whether the psychosocial 'illness' caused the
physical complaints, or the other way around.
To my knowledge, only Waddell's signs and symptoms are of help in
identifying (back) patients with dominant or significant PS influences. Not
that they can answer the chicken-egg question, but at least they identify
patients with CE (complaint exaggeration) syndrome.
I'd very much like to know what others think of this.
R.,
Frank
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Wright" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: zaterdag 6 oktober 2001 21:53
Subject: Psychological testing of patients with Pain
Dear colleaques,
I am interested in the testing of patients psychologically or establishing
related key areas such as depression. Research is recommending that there
is more to pain than the signals that we recieve from body matter. What
tests/questionnaires do clinicians use in normal practise ( not for
Research or Audit) and what are the patients and clinicians experiences of
usablity and relevance at the individual level rather than the group or
type of patient? Has any one been able to use a test/questionnaire in the
changes that occur over the different phases that a patient passes? If you
work with ethnic patients have you been able to cutomise these with good
effect. Have there been any barriers?
If you interest also involves the social side to pain, can I ask the
same questions as above.
Awaiting your response,
Kevin Wright MCSP
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