Multidimensional Pain Inventory Research Articles

The Effectiveness of an Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program in the Treatment of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome in Patients Who Have Failed Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Post-laminectomy syndrome (PLS) patients who have previously undergone spinal cord stimulation and failed to have significant improvement create a unique challenge for ongoing pain management. We hypothesize that, following successful completion of intensive, interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation (IPR), this patient population can achieve a significant reduction in pain, improvement in mood, functional levels, and self-efficacy. A retrospective chart review was conducted comparing the following for patients prior to enrollment in the IPR program and upon completion: numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores; functional status via the six-minute walk test; mood via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) Life control scores and MPI Interference, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS); and self-efficacy via the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). Forty-three patients met inclusion criteria, with 17 males and 26 females and a mean age of 64 years. Patients demonstrated a statistically significant increase in six-minute walk test distance of 104 m, a decrease in average NRS pain score of 1.4 points, an increase in average MPI life control by 8.3 points, a decrease average MPI interference by 5.3 points, an increase in average Short Form-36 by 6.5 points, an increase in average PCS by 4.4 points, and an increase in average PSEQ score of 18.1. Their average mood via CES-D improved by 4.2 points. Intensive, interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation provides an effective therapeutic modality for patients with post-laminectomy syndrome who have failed spinal cord stimulation by decreasing pain levels and by increasing functional status and self-efficacy.

Deep Brain Stimulation Improves the Symptoms and Sensory Signs of Persistent Central Neuropathic Pain from Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report.

Central neuropathic pain (CNP) is a significant problem after spinal cord injury (SCI). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches may reduce the severity, but relief is rarely substantial. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat various chronic pain types, the technique has rarely been used to attenuate CNP after SCI. Here we present the case of a 54-year-old female with incomplete paraplegia who had severe CNP in the lower limbs and buttock areas since her injury 30 years prior. She was treated with bilateral DBS of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). The effects of this stimulation on CNP characteristics, severity and pain-related sensory function were evaluated using the International SCI Pain Basic Data Set (ISCIPBDS), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), Multidimensional Pain Inventory and Quantitative Sensory Testing before and periodically after initiation of DBS. After starting DBS treatment, weekly CNP severity ratings rapidly decreased from severe to minimal, paralleled by a substantial reduction in size of the painful area, reduced pain impact and reversal of pain-related neurological abnormalities, i.e., dynamic-mechanical and cold allodynia. She discontinued pain medication on study week 24. The improvement has been consistent. The present study expands on previous findings by providing in-depth assessments of symptoms and signs associated with CNP. The results of this study suggest that activation of endogenous pain inhibitory systems linked to the PAG can eliminate CNP in some people with SCI. More research is needed to better-select appropriate candidates for this type of therapy. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the brainstem’s control of chronic pain and for future progress in using analgesic DBS in the central gray.

Assessment of Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments to Assess Chronic Low Back Pain.

To identify patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments that assess chronic low back pain (cLBP) symptoms (specifically pain qualities) and/or impacts for potential use in cLBP clinical trials to demonstrate treatment benefit and support labeling claims. Literature review of existing PRO measures. Publications detailing existing PRO measures for cLBP were identified, reviewed, and summarized. As recommended by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) PRO development guidance, standard measurement characteristics were reviewed, including development history, psychometric properties (validity and reliability), ability to detect change, and interpretation of observed changes. Thirteen instruments were selected and reviewed: Low Back Pain Bothersomeness Scale, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, PainDETECT, Pain Quality Assessment Scale Revised, Revised Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Low Back Pain Impact Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, Pain Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory and Brief Pain Inventory Short Form, Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System Spine Module, Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, and the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory Interference Scale. The instruments varied in the aspects of pain and/or impacts that they assessed, and none of the instruments fulfilled all criteria for use in clinical trials to support labeling claims based on recommendations outlined in the FDA PRO guidance. There is an unmet need for a validated PRO instrument to evaluate cLBP-related symptoms and impacts for use in clinical trials.

Do pain characteristics guide selection for multimodal pain rehabilitation?

To determine whether self-reported pain measures are associated with selection for multimodal or multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MMR) and whether this selection is influenced by sex. Cross-sectional cohort study. A total of 1,226 women and 464 men with chronic pain conditions from 2 university hospitals. Drawing from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP), data on pain, psychological symptoms, function, health, and activity/participation were collected. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate association of pain measures with selection for MMR (no/yes) after multidisciplinary assessment. Covariates were: age, educational level, anxiety, depression, working status, and several pain measures. High pain intensity in the previous week (odds ratio (OR) 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-0.99) and high pain severity (Multidimensional Pain Inventory) (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.74-0.95) were negatively associated with selection for MMR, whereas higher number of pain quadrants was positively associated with selection for MMR. Similar results were obtained for women, but none of the measures was predictive for men. This practice-based study showed that higher scores on self-reported pain were not associated with selection for MMR, and in women there was a negative association for higher pain intensity and pain severity. Thus, other factors than pain determine whether patients are selected for MMR.

Long-Term Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) has been reported but its outcomes in the longer term and in mixed groups of chronic pain patients are largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to describe the two-year outcomes of a 15-week multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation programme in patients with mixed CMP in terms of pain, activities, participation and healthcare usage. Data were recorded routinely at admission, discharge, and at three, 12 and 24 months' follow-up for all consecutive patients with CMP referred to a rehabilitation programme over a 21-month period. The 15-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme consisted of cognitive behavioural therapy and exercise, as well as individual and group sessions with additional treatment modalities. Assessments included the Pain Disability Index (PDI), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) and numerical scales for pain and fatigue. Moreover, the RAND-36-Item Health Survey ('RAND-36') and questions on healthcare usage and work status were administered at admission, and at 12 and/or 24 months. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, McNemar tests and mixed-model analyses were used to analyse changes over time. A total of 165 patients were included initially [mean age 44.1 (standard deviation 12.9) years], 143 of whom (87%) were women, with data from 125 (76%) and 120 (73%) patients being available at 12 and 24 months' follow-up, respectively. All outcomes showed statistically significant improvements between admission and discharge, and at three, 12 and 24 months' follow-up (p < 0.05). At 24 months, the median number of different healthcare providers visited in the previous year had decreased significantly compared with that at admission [from a median of 4 (range 1-13) to a median of 2 (range 0-9)], and within the group of patients working at admission (50%), the proportion of those working 25 hours or more per week had increased significantly from 16% to 48%. Improvements in pain and functioning seen directly after a 15-week multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with CMP were maintained, health care usage decreased and the number of working hours among working patients increased at 24 months' follow-up. Future studies are needed to examine if additional interventions after discharge can enhance further the favourable results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Psychosocial coping profiles after pain rehabilitation: associations with occupational performance and patient characteristics

Purpose The aims of the present study were to assess: (i) changes in coping by use of Multidimensional Pain Inventory profiles from baseline to follow-up, (ii) associations between Adaptive Coper (AC) profiles at follow-up and improvements in occupational performance (by Canadian Occupational Performance Measure COPM) and (iii) ability to predict AC profiles at follow-up by participants’ baseline characteristics. Method Data at baseline, discharge and follow-up from 525 participants in a pain rehabilitation program were analyzed with multivariate statistics. Results AC profiles increased and Dysfunctional (DYS) profiles decreased at follow-up. Clinically relevant improvements on COPM were associated with having an AC profile at follow-up. Being Nordic born, having longer education, an AC profile and higher baseline scores on satisfaction with performance predicted an AC profile at follow-up. Conclusions Pain rehabilitation seems to result in sustainable and favourable coping strategies at follow-up, and improved occupational performance is associated with favourable coping at follow-up. Outcomes need to be measured independently of improved coping strategies and improvements of participant’s individual goals such as difficulties to perform their most meaningful occupations. Patients at risk for unfavourable coping strategies may need modified interventions.Implications for RehabilitationMore participants reported a beneficial coping, MPI profile, in a long-term perspective after a pain rehabilitation program.Improvements on occupational performance prioritized as meaningful by each of the participants are related to adequate coping strategies at follow-up.The associations between improved occupational performance and beneficial coping profiles need to be better understood.Patients with worse initial occupational performance may need modified pain rehabilitation interventions to improve their coping strategies.

Pain assessment in rheumatology – How can we do better? A literature review

Patients’ symptoms have a place of prominence in the rheumatology landscape, and among them pain is the most conspicuous. Several pain assessment tools have been validated. One-dimensional pain scales such as visual analog scales (VASs) and numeric rating scales (NRSs) are fast to administer but have limitations that must be acknowledged. Some clinical situations require the use of multidimensional scales such as the McGill Pain Questionnaire or the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI). These tools allow the assessment and management of the diverse components of pain. Here, we review the main patient-reported outcomes that can serve to evaluate pain and the psychometric properties of pain assessment tools. We also discuss the selection of the tool most appropriate for each situation (e.g., everyday practice and research).

Pain and its clinical associations in individuals with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review.

Pain is recognized as a clinical complication in cystic fibrosis (CF), but the prevalence, characteristics and clinical associations of this co-morbidity have not been systematically reviewed. Electronic searches of six databases were performed. For inclusion in phase 1, studies reported a pain prevalence rate in CF and/or its clinical associations. For phase 2, included studies reported the measurement properties of validity, reliability and responsiveness of an instrument assessing pain in CF. Two independent reviewers rated the quality of evidence (phase 1) and the measurement properties using the 4-point COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist (phase 2). Of the 400 studies identified in the literature, 16 met the inclusion criteria for phase 1 and 5 for phase 2. The mean (SD) quality score (of 16) was 11.8 (2.3). The pooled prevalence of pain in adults with CF was 77% (95% confidence interval (CI): 57%-92%) and in children was 42% (95% CI: 0%-91%). Common regions of pain included back, abdomen, chest and limbs. In children and adults, pain was associated with a poorer quality of life (QOL) and significant interference with treatments. Measurement properties of three instruments (Brief Pain Inventory, Multidimensional Pain Inventory, Daily Pain Assessment-CF) were construct validity and criterion-predictive validity, with variable findings based on 'fair' to 'good' quality studies. Pain is a common problem in both children and adults with CF. It has negative clinical associations with QOL and the ability to successfully undertake treatment. Further research exploring the measurement properties of instruments assessing pain is required.

Do psychological and behavioral factors classified by the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (Swedish version) predict the early clinical course of low back pain in patients receiving chiropractic care?

BackgroundTo investigate if psychological and behavioral factors (as determined by the Swedish version of the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory, MPI-S) can predict the early clinical course of Low Back Pain (LBP).MethodsMPI-S data from patients (18–65 years of age) seeking chiropractic care for recurrent and persistent LBP were collected at the 1st visit. A follow-up questionnaire was administered at the 4th visit. The predictive value of the MPI-S subgroups Adaptive Copers (AC), Interpersonally Distressed (ID) and Dysfunctional (DYS) was calculated against the subjective improvement at the 4th visit and clinically relevant difference in pain intensity between the 1st and 4th visit.ResultsOf the 666 subjects who were included at the 1st visit, 329 completed the questionnaire at the 4th visit. A total of 64.7 % (AC), 68.0 % (ID) and 71.3 % (DYS) reported a definite improvement. The chance of “definite improvement”, expressed as relative risk (95 % CI) with the AC group as reference, was 1.05 (.87–1.27) for the ID and 1.10 (.93–1.31) for the DYS groups, respectively. The DYS and ID groups reported higher values in pain intensity both at the 1st and the 4th visit. The proportion of subjects who reported an improvement in pain intensity of 30 % or more (clinically relevant) were 63.5 % AC, 72.0 % ID and 63.2 % DYS. Expressed as relative risk (95 % CI) with the AC group as reference, this corresponded to 1.26 (.91–1.76) for the ID and 1.09 (.78–1.51) for the DYS groups, respectively.ConclusionsThe MPI-S instrument could not predict the early clinical course of recurrent and persistent LBP in this sample of chiropractic patients.Trial registrationClinical trials.gov; NCT01539863, February 22, 2012.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-0933-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Shame, Catastrophizing, and Negative Partner Responses Are Associated With Lower Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction and More Negative Affect in Men With Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) has a negative impact on men's sexual functioning and quality of life, but little is known about why some men cope better than others and what the effects of PD are on their relationships. The aims of the present study were to describe negative affect, pain, and relationship and sexual satisfaction in men with PD, and to explore their psychosocial correlates. Participants were 110 men diagnosed with PD. All men completed questionnaires. The main outcome measures were as follows: Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Negative Affect Scale. The predictor variables were the following: Experience of Shame Scale, Body Esteem Scale, Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale, Index of Male Genital Image, a modified Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and a modified Multidimensional Pain Inventory. Although men with PD had mean sexual/relationship satisfaction and negative affect scores indicating mild impairment, there was a wide range of variation, with 42% to 52% scoring in the clinical range. Catastrophizing was significantly associated with reduced sexual satisfaction and increased negative affect and pain. Shame was also associated with increased negative affect. The significant associations of relationship satisfaction were partner responses and shame. Given the lack of curative treatment in PD, understanding why some men cope better than others may guide therapy. Shame, catastrophizing, and partner responses may be important therapeutic targets.

The Relation between the Fear-Avoidance Model and Constructs from the Social Cognitive Theory in Acute WAD.

In the fear-avoidance (FA) model social cognitive constructs could add to explaining the disabling process in whiplash associated disorder (WAD). The aim was to exemplify the possible input from Social Cognitive Theory on the FA model. Specifically the role of functional self-efficacy and perceived responses from a spouse/intimate partner was studied. A cross-sectional and correlational design was used. Data from 64 patients with acute WAD were used. Measures were pain intensity measured with a numerical rating scale, the Pain Disability Index, support, punishing responses, solicitous responses, and distracting responses subscales from the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, the Catastrophizing subscale from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and the Self-Efficacy Scale. Bivariate correlational, simple linear regression, and multiple regression analyses were used. In the statistical prediction models high pain intensity indicated high punishing responses, which indicated high catastrophizing. High catastrophizing indicated high fear of movement, which indicated low self-efficacy. Low self-efficacy indicated high disability, which indicated high pain intensity. All independent variables together explained 66.4% of the variance in pain disability, p < 0.001. Results suggest a possible link between one aspect of the social environment, perceived punishing responses from a spouse/intimate partner, pain intensity, and catastrophizing. Further, results support a mediating role of self-efficacy between fear of movement and disability in WAD.

Does Classification of Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorder Patients Into Psychosocial Subgroups Predict Differential Treatment Responsiveness and 1-Year Outcomes After a Functional Restoration Program?

The objectives of this study: (1) to assess whether Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) profiles predicted differential responses to a functional restoration program (FRP) in chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorder (CDOMD) patients; (2) to examine whether coping style improves following FRP; and (3) to determine whether discharge MPI profiles predict discharge psychosocial and 1-year socioeconomic outcomes. Consecutive CDOMD patients (N=716) were classified into Adaptive Coper (AC, n=209), Interpersonally Distressed (ID, n=154), Dysfunctional (DYS, n=310), and Anomalous (n=43) using the MPI, and reclassified at discharge. Profiles were compared on psychosocial measures and 1-year socioeconomic outcomes. An intent-to-treat sample analyzed the effect of drop-outs on treatment responsiveness. The MPI classification significantly predicted program completion (P=0.001), although the intent-to-treat analyses found no significant effects of drop-out on treatment responsiveness. There was a significant increase in the number of patients who became AC or Anomalous at FRP discharge and a decrease in those who were ID or DYS. Patients who changed or remained as DYS at FRP discharge reported the highest levels of pain, disability, and depression. No significant interaction effect was found between MPI group and time for pain intensity or disability. All groups improved on psychosocial measures at discharge. DYS patients had decreased work retention and a greater health care utilization at 1 year. An FRP was clinically effective for CDOMD patients regardless of initial MPI profiles. The FRP modified profiles, with patients changing from negative to positive profiles. Discharge DYS were more likely to have poor 1-year outcomes. Those classified as Anomalous had a good prognosis for functional recovery similar to ACs.

Pain in Sleepwalking: A Clinical Enigma

Sleepwalking is a disorder characterized by arousal specifically from slow wave sleep with dissociated brain activity that may be related to lower nociceptive state. Our objectives were to assess the frequency of chronic pain, headache, and migraine in sleepwalkers compared to controls, examine the impact and determinants of pain in sleepwalkers, and report analgesia frequency during injurious parasomnia episodes. Cross-sectional case-control study. Data were collected at the Sleep Disorders Center, Montpellier, France. One hundred patients with sleepwalking were assessed for disease characteristics, sleep (polysomnography, sleepiness, and insomnia), pain (chronic pain, multidimensional pain inventory, headache, and migraine), depressive symptoms, and quality of life compared to 100 adult controls. Pain perception was retrospectively assessed during injurious parasomnia episodes. Raw association data showed that lifetime headache, migraine, and chronic pain at time of study were significantly associated with sleepwalking (also called somnambulism). Compared to controls, sleepwalkers reported more frequent daytime sleepiness, and depressive and insomnia symptoms. After adjustments, sleepwalking was associated with increased risk for headache and migraine only. Compared to pain-free sleepwalkers, sleepwalkers with chronic pain were more likely to be older and to have greater daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, with no difference in polysomnography assessment. Of the 47 sleepwalkers with at least one previous violent parasomnia episode, 78.7% perceived no pain during episodes, allowing them to remain asleep despite injury. Our results highlight the clinical enigma of pain in sleepwalking patients with complaints of frequent chronic pain, migraine, and headache during wakefulness but who report retrospectively experience of analgesia during severe parasomnia episodes, suggesting a relationship between dissociated brain activity and nociceptive dysregulation.

Trialing and Maintenance Dosing Using a Low-Dose Intrathecal Opioid Method for Chronic Nonmalignant Pain: A Prospective 36-Month Study.

To evaluate low-dose intrathecal opioid trialing and maintenance with regard to analgesia and psychometric functional capacity. Prospective cohort of subjects offered, trialed and maintained using low-dose opioid therapy via an intrathecal drug delivery system. Analgesia, measured by visual analog scale and the Global Pain Scale, and function, measured by Multidimensional Pain Inventory and Global Pain Scale, are evaluated. Population analysis by age, gender, oral opioid dose, diagnosis, and pain type is reported. Fifty-eight subjects enrolled in the 36-month evaluation period with mean opioid intrathecal opioid dose less than 350 μg per day of morphine equivalent utilized. Primary nociceptive pain type were associated with lower intrathecal opioid doses and improved visual analog scale pain rating and improved pain severity and interference on the Multidimensional Pain Inventory. This study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that low-dose intrathecal analgesia without oral opioid supplementation can be efficacious. It appears that this approach may achieve analgesia with lower doses in those with primary nociceptive pain type.

Impaired Empathic Abilities among Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Type I).

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to evaluate differences in empathic abilities between patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type I and healthy control subjects (HCs) and to assess correlations between empathic abilities and multidimensional aspects of pain.MethodsEmpathic ability was measured in 32 patients with CRPS Type I and in 36 HCs using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). A comprehensive assessment of pain was conducted in the patient group using the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (WHYMPI). Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI), and quality of life was evaluated using the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire.ResultsPatients with CRPS showed impaired cognitive and emotional empathic abilities compared with HCs. Significantly lower levels of perspective taking and empathic concern and higher levels of personal distress on the IRI were exhibited by the patient group. Perspective taking and personal distress were associated with affective distress and poor quality of life in social contexts (BDI, BAI, and WHOQOL). However, empathic concern was positively correlated with pain severity and social support from others (WHYMPI).ConclusionA tendency toward self-oriented distress in social cognition was exhibited among patients with CRPS Type I. Impaired empathic ability was shown to have potentially negative effects on subjective emotional outcomes and social performance in the lives of patients. Interventions to improve emotional awareness and theory of mind would be beneficial for enhancing social functioning in patients with CRPS Type I.

Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory Applied to Brazilian Patients with Orofacial Pain.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) in a Brazilian sample of patients with orofacial pain. A total of 1,925 adult patients, who sought dental care in the School of Dentistry of São Paulo State University's Araraquara campus, were invited to participate; 62.5% (n=1,203) agreed to participate. Of these, 436 presented with orofacial pain and were included. The mean age was 39.9 (SD=13.6) years and 74.5% were female. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using χ²/df, comparative fit index, goodness of fit index, and root mean square error of approximation as indices of goodness of fit. Convergent validity was estimated by the average variance extracted and composite reliability, and internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha standardized coefficient (α). The stability of the models was tested in independent samples (test and validation; dental pain and orofacial pain). The factorial invariance was estimated by multigroup analysis (Δχ²). Factorial, convergent validity, and internal consistency were adequate in all three parts of the MPI. To achieve this adequate fit for Part 1, item 15 needed to be deleted (λ=0.13). Discriminant validity was compromised between the factors "activities outside the home" and "social activities" of Part 3 of the MPI in the total sample, validation sample, and in patients with dental pain and with orofacial pain. A strong invariance between different subsamples from the three parts of the MPI was detected. The MPI produced valid, reliable, and stable data for pain assessment among Brazilian patients with orofacial pain.

Interpersonal Responses and Pain Management Within the US Military.

Purpose Chronic pain poses a significant problem for the US military. The benefits of self-management treatments for chronic pain are well-documented, but interpersonal responses also influence physical and psychological health and may not be addressed through self-management treatments alone. The current study examines whether perceived interpersonal responses to pain, as measured by the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), change as a result of participation in an intensive pain management program. It was hypothesized that interpersonal responses to pain would be significantly correlated to psychosocial and physical pain outcomes and that interpersonal responses to pain would change significantly for completers of a functional restoration (FR) program compared to those who were randomized to treatment-as-usual in the military medical system. Methods Forty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One treatment group received FR (n=26) and the other group received treatment-as-usual (n=18). Significant other responses to chronic pain were measured by the MPI (Pain 23(4):345-356, 1985). Participants also completed measures of impacted quality of life, reported disability, psychological distress, fear avoidance, pain interference, and physical activity. Results Perceived higher punishing responses from a significant other were significantly related to worse physical health-related quality of life (p=.037), work-related fear avoidance (p=.008), pain interference (p=.026), affective distress (p=.039), and pain while lifting (p=.017). Perceived higher solicitous responses from significant others were significantly associated with lower mental health-related quality of life (p=.011), household activity (p=017), general activity (p=.042), self-reported disability (p=.030), lifting capacity (p=.005), and aerobic capacity (p=.009). Conclusions While findings are preliminary and of limited scope, it appears that the perception of significant others' responses may be impacted by psychosocial and physical pain outcomes and may change after treatment. More work in this area is needed to uncover the benefits one might achieve when a significant other is included within the FR treatment framework.

Chronic Low Back Pain: Perception and Coping With Pain in the Presence of Psychiatric Comorbidity.

This retrospective study investigated the influence of psychiatric comorbidity on pain perception and coping with pain in tertiary pain clinic patients, 427 treated for chronic low back pain (CLBP) and 629 for other forms of chronic pain (CG). No differences in psychosomatic dimensions were found between the two groups, but Italian Pain Questionnaire dimensions and intensity scores (t = 7.35; p < 0.0001) were higher in CLBP than in CG subjects. According to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, CLBP patients also had a higher prevalence of lifetime major depressive episodes (χ2 = 4.96; p < 0.05), dysthymic disorder (χ2 = 4.64; p < 0.05), suicide risk (χ2 = 10.43; p < 0.01), and agoraphobia (χ2 = 6.31; p < 0.05) than CG patients did. The Multidimensional Pain Inventory showed a close association between CLBP and both agoraphobia (χ2 = 3.74; p < 0.05) and dysfunctional coping style (χ2 = 8.25; p < 0.01), which increased disability. Both agoraphobia and lifetime depression were associated with an overall increase in dimensions and pain intensity in CLBP, but not in CG.

The Swedish version of the Insomnia Severity Index: Factor structure analysis and psychometric properties in chronic pain patients

ObjectiveInsomnia is the most commonly diagnosed comorbidity disorder among patients with chronic pain. This circumstance requests brief and valid instruments for screening insomnia in epidemiological studies. The main object of this study was to assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Swedish version of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The ISI is a short instrument designed to measure clinical insomnia and one of the most common used scales both in clinical and research practice. However there is no study in Sweden that guarantees neither its factor structure nor its feasibility in chronic pain patients. We further examined the measurement invariance property of the ISI across the two sexes. MethodsThe ISI was administered to 836 (269 men and 567 women) chronic pain patients from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation. This study used demographic data, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Mental Summary Component (MSC) of the Health Survey (SF-36) and the item 7 from Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI). The sample was divided into two random halves: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed in the first sample (N1=334, 40%) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the second half of the sample (N2=502, 60%). The measurement and structural invariance of the proposed structure (4-item version) between the two sexes as well as reliability and validity indexes were further assessed. ResultsExploratory factor analysis using the principal axis factoring method generated one global factor structure for the ISI, explaining 63.1% of the total variance. The one factor solution was stable between the two sexes. Principal component analysis was also applied and indicated almost identical results. The structure was further assessed by CFA, resulting in an adequate fit only after omitting three items. The difference on structural and measurement invariance in the loadings by participants’ sex was not significant (Δχ2=10.6; df=3; p=.69 and Δχ2=2.86, df=3, p=41 respectively). The shorter version four-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI-4) was analysed further. The Chronbach's alpha for the global ISI-4 score was 0.88. The construct validity of the ISI-4 was also supported by the, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mental Summary Component of quality of life and quality of sleep data. Pain intensity was significantly associated with the ISI-4 score (beta=.29, p<001) whereas no significant correlation between four-item Insomnia Severity Index score and age was observed (p>05). Conclusions and implicationsAlthough short, the four-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI-4) version seemed to effectively assess insomnia in chronic pain patients. An important clinical implication is that the four-item Swedish Insomnia Severity Index can be used in chronic pain cohorts when screening for insomnia problems. Its measurement and structural invariance property across the two sexes shows that the ISI-4 is a valid measure of the insomnia across groups of chronic patients. Our results also suggest its utility both in pain clinical practice and research purposes.

Cognitive behaviour therapy in women with fibromyalgia: A randomized clinical trial

Background and aimsStress has been pointed out as an important influential factor in the development and maintaining of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Since stress may worsen the pain experience, the development of individual strategies for coping with stress is essential to reduce the impact of FMS on daily life. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a group based stress management cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programme could influence self-reported stress, wellbeing and life control, as well as self-reported pain behaviour in female FMS patients. Methods48 female FMS patient were randomized into a cognitive behaviour therapy treatment group (n=24) and a waitlist control group (n=24). When the 6 months waitlist period was over the control group received the same CBT programme. This allowed two analytical approaches, one based on the randomized controlled trial design and one based on a before-and-after design to improve the statistical power of the study. Four psychometric instruments were used: The West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (three parts, MPI-1 to MPI-3), the Maastricht Questionnaire, the Everyday Life Stress, and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression rating scale – self-reported. Primary outcome was the MPI-1 dimension ‘life control’, secondary outcomes were the MPI-1 dimensions ‘interference’, ‘affective distress’ and ‘support from spouses or significant others’, the various MPI-2 dimensions, the ‘general activity level’ in the MPI-3 dimension, and ‘vital exhaustion’, ‘stress behaviour’, and ‘depression’. The only tertiary outcome was the MPI-1 dimension ‘pain severity’. ResultsIn the RCT design the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory dimensions ‘life control’, ‘interference from pain’, ‘affective distress’, ‘support from spouses or significant others’, and ‘distracting responses’ and ratings for depression improved in the treatment group as compared with the control group. In the before-and after design these improvements were maintained and enhanced during 1-year follow-up, and so was the ‘vital exhaustion’ and ‘stress behaviour’. ‘Pain severity’ was rated higher after the intervention. ConclusionsCognitive behaviour therapy improved the life control in a female population with FMS. Coping behaviour in response to chronic pain was improved at the same time and in spite of higher subjective ratings of pain. Positive effects were seen on depression, vital exhaustion and stress behaviour. The effects of therapy were maintained and enhanced during the follow up period. It appears that women with FMS after the CBT treatment, according to this protocol obtained tools leading to better acceptance of their disorder. ImplicationsFMS is a disorder with great therapeutic challenges. Total abolishment of pain symptoms is extremely difficult or impossible to achieve. Thus, the development of individual strategies for coping with pain is essential to reduce its impact on daily life. Since stress may worsen the pain experience, coping with stress might be a promising route to accomplishing that goal. In evaluations of interventions for pain it is important to monitor the effect on behaviour responses to pain and not only ratings of pain itself.