Nervousness and pain sensitivity: I. A positive correlation.
Psychiatry Res
; 79(1): 51-3, 1998 Jun 02.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9676826
ABSTRACT
Neuroanatomical studies suggest a close interrelationship between brainstem centers regulating arousal and pain sensitivity. Nervousness, as assessed with a Visual Analog Scale, and pain sensitivity, as assessed with a cold pressor test, were used to clarify whether a physiological association of nervousness and pain sensitivity can be found in healthy subjects. Forty healthy volunteers were included in the study. We demonstrate a significant positive correlation between self-rated nervousness and pain threshold. These data suggest that there is a coupling between nervousness and endogenous pain control. Based on the results, a nervousness-pain-threshold quotient was calculated as a possible measure of the interrelationship of the endogenous pain control system to autonomic activity. A different nervousness-pain-threshold quotient, indicating a different coupling, may provide information on changes in accessory neurophysiologic functions.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anxiety
/
Stress, Psychological
/
Pain Threshold
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Psychiatry Res
Year:
1998
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Austria