Pain Psychology and Physiology Quiz
96 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What role does pain serve in human survival?

  • It acts as a signal to take protective action. (correct)
  • It allows individuals to ignore serious injuries.
  • It increases the threshold for physical sensations.
  • It prevents individuals from experiencing discomfort.

What is congenital insensitivity to pain?

  • A condition that eliminates the sensation of pain from birth. (correct)
  • A temporary inability to feel pain due to emotional stress.
  • A disorder that intensifies the feeling of pain.
  • A psychological response to traumatic experiences.

Which of the following is NOT a method for assessing pain?

  • Psychophysiological measures
  • Behavioral assessment approaches
  • Genetic predisposition testing (correct)
  • Self-report methods

What is the Gate-Control Theory of Pain primarily focused on?

<p>The neural pathways involved in pain perception. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological factor can influence an individual's experience of pain?

<p>Coping processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a person is unable to feel pain?

<p>They may not seek treatment for injuries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can emotional states influence the perception of pain?

<p>They can exacerbate sensations of pain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about pain perception is false?

<p>Everyone has the same threshold for feeling pain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates chronic pain from acute pain?

<p>Chronic pain often results from continuous conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological response occurs immediately after tissue damage?

<p>Release of chemicals that activate immune system activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT affect the perception of pain in chronic conditions?

<p>The intensity of the initial injury. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which chemical is NOT involved in promoting immune activity at the site of injury?

<p>Cortisol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chronic pain involves repeated episodes of pain separated by periods without pain?

<p>Chronic-recurrent pain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does long-term sleep deprivation influence pain perception?

<p>It increases negative affect and sensitivity to pain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of nerve fibers are associated with sharp, well-localized pain experiences?

<p>A-delta fibers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chronic pain is linked with malignant conditions?

<p>Malignant chronic pain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element is a common result of the interplay between physiological and psychological processes in experiencing pain?

<p>Strong emotional component. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chronic pain is continuous and associated with malignant conditions?

<p>Chronic-progressive pain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence for individuals suffering from chronic pain?

<p>Reduced work participation due to physical and emotional factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is least likely to produce chronic-progressive pain?

<p>Migraine headaches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sensation do C fibers predominantly transmit?

<p>Dull pain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pain syndrome is characterized by pain in the jaw and muscles of the head and neck?

<p>Myofascial pain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of nociceptors in the body?

<p>To respond to pain stimuli and signal injury (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fibers carries pain signals from the periphery more slowly?

<p>C fibers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the neural gate in the gate-control theory?

<p>To modulate incoming pain signals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do A-beta fibers play in the gating mechanism?

<p>They inhibit the perception of pain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT involved in controlling the opening and closing of the gate?

<p>The strength of psychological perception (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the gate is closed according to the gate-control theory?

<p>Transmission cells inhibit the output of pain signals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the gating mechanism primarily located in the body?

<p>In the spinal cord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the relationship between stronger noxious stimulation and the gate?

<p>Stronger noxious stimulation opens the gate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does gently massaging sore muscles have according to the theory?

<p>It closes the gate, inhibiting pain perception (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do pain fibers and A-beta fibers interact in the context of the gate-control theory?

<p>A-beta fibers can inhibit the activity of pain fibers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological mechanism is primarily described in the gate-control theory of pain?

<p>The gating mechanism controlling transmission of pain signals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the gate-control theory, what occurs when the signals from the transmission cells exceed a critical level?

<p>The person perceives pain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the muscle-ischemia procedure, what is the primary effect of reducing blood flow?

<p>Increased pain signaling to the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain fibers are involved in transmitting pain signals according to the gate-control theory?

<p>A-delta and C fibers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant improvement of the gate-control theory over earlier pain theories?

<p>It incorporates psychological factors affecting pain perception. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to obtain consent from a guardian for child participants in research?

<p>It is a legal requirement to protect children's rights. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'muscle-ischemia' refer to in the context of the procedure described?

<p>Inadequate blood supply to muscle tissues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the gate-control theory explain variations in pain experience among different individuals?

<p>Psychological factors can alter the gating mechanism's response to pain signals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influenced the amount of pain described by patients?

<p>Whether the spouse or a hospital employee was observing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception among family members regarding patients in pain?

<p>That pain behavior is often exaggerated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group reported higher pain sensitivity compared to others in the United States?

<p>Asian Americans compared to African Americans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was observed about the social impacts of chronic pain among different ethnic groups?

<p>Americans exhibited greater work and social impairments than Italians (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did perceptions of solicitousness from spouses affect pain reporting?

<p>Patients feeling their spouses were solicitous reported more pain with spouse observation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prevalence pattern was noted concerning chronic pain behaviors?

<p>Lower prevalence in lower socioeconomic classes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor affecting pain perception in different populations?

<p>The lack of encouragement towards activity by family members (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ethnic differences in pain prevalence is correct?

<p>The prevalence rates of pain vary significantly among ethnic groups (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological response individuals might experience in relation to pain?

<p>Altered perception of pain intensity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of feedback mechanism is primarily suggested by the gate-control theory of pain?

<p>Neurological gating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does congenital insensitivity to pain typically manifest in individuals?

<p>Only mild sensations such as tingling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is least likely to affect an individual's pain experience?

<p>Time of day (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of pain does the biopsychosocial model focus on?

<p>The interaction of biology, psychology, and social factors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of pain perception, what does the term 'noxious stimulation' refer to?

<p>Stimuli that cause tissue damage or injury sensation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological mechanism is less involved in the assessment of pain in chronic conditions?

<p>Imaging techniques for nerve damage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding behavioral assessment approaches for pain?

<p>They can include observations of patient's actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain is described as being clearly linked to tissue pressure or damage?

<p>Organic pain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sensation is commonly associated with brief noxious events to the skin?

<p>Sharp pain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do psychosocial factors influence the experience of pain?

<p>They can amplify the perception of pain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes chronic pain?

<p>Can occur without an identifiable organic basis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What age ranges can experience pain according to the discussion of pain perception?

<p>All ages, including infants and elderly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about chronic pain conditions?

<p>They are exclusively caused by physical injury (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical condition can lead to narrowing that causes pressure on the spinal cord?

<p>Disc degeneration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain is often described by patients as 'aching' or 'throbbing'?

<p>Chronic pain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that there is no distinct system for perceiving pain?

<p>Pattern Theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that can influence how pain is perceived according to certain theories?

<p>Patterns of neural activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might hypnosis affect a person's reaction to pain?

<p>It can make a person not react to the pain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is most accurate regarding the interplay between physical stimuli and pain perception?

<p>The perception of pain is influenced by the intensity and type of stimulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What psychological factor was noted to reduce pain perception among some individuals?

<p>Knowledge of a healing process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes that pain perception can occur even in gently caressing stimuli?

<p>Pattern Theory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a misconception about pain perception during hypnosis?

<p>People are completely immobilized and feel no pain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of earlier theories regarding pain perception?

<p>They did not incorporate psychological factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly influenced the pain reported by patients in relation to their spouses?

<p>The patient's belief in their spouse's solicitousness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the perception of pain differ based on the observer of the patient’s pain experience?

<p>Patients report more pain when observed by family compared to hospital employees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cultural group reported the lowest prevalence rates of chronic pain behaviors in the United States?

<p>Asian Americans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does socioeconomic status have on pain levels reported by individuals?

<p>Individuals in lower socioeconomic classes experience more pain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In research relating to pain behavior, which nationality was found to be the least impacted by family members’ behaviors?

<p>Japanese (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of family dynamics can exacerbate pain experiences for chronic pain patients?

<p>Solicitous behavior without encouragement for activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the differences in pain sensitivity among various ethnic groups in laboratory settings?

<p>Asian Americans report higher pain sensitivity than Whites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is linked to greater social impairments caused by chronic pain across different nations?

<p>Cultural attitudes towards pain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is activated by serotonin in the treatment of pain?

<p>Endorphin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does naloxone have on the analgesic effects of opioids?

<p>It prevents their effects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In studies involving naloxone, what was observed in animals with regards to pain response?

<p>They reacted strongly to pain stimuli. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of endorphin in the context of pain perception?

<p>To inhibit pain signals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a different endogenous opioid besides endorphin?

<p>Enkephalin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In human studies involving naloxone after dental procedures, what was the effect on patients' pain levels?

<p>Significantly increased pain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the stimulation of the periaqueductal gray area affect pain modulation?

<p>It initiates a neurochemical reaction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do inhibitory interneurons play in the process of pain modulation?

<p>They release endorphins to inhibit pain signals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of training did one group receive to cope with pain?

<p>Training to make positive self-statements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did receiving an explanation about self-statements have on pain ratings?

<p>It lead to decreased pain ratings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical guideline is emphasized when using aversive stimuli in research?

<p>Aversive stimuli must be non-harmful (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ischemia refer to in the context of pain experience?

<p>Insufficient blood flow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about individual pain thresholds based on the discussed research?

<p>Pain thresholds do not correlate with the type of pain experienced (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which self-statement is likely to be included in the positive self-statements training?

<p>I can manage this pain effectively (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did not receive explanation in the study impacts pain ratings?

<p>Beliefs about the purpose of using self-statements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for researchers to ensure informed consent for participants?

<p>To ensure participants understand the potential risks involved (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pain

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Qualities of pain

Pain can vary in intensity, location, duration, quality (e.g., sharp, burning, aching), and how it affects our mood and behavior.

Importance of pain

Pain is crucial for survival, alerting us to potential or actual injury, prompting us to take protective actions.

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain

A rare disorder where individuals cannot feel pain, making them vulnerable to severe injuries without realizing it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gate-Control Theory of Pain

This theory suggests that pain signals must pass through a nerve 'gate' in the spinal cord, which can be opened or closed by various factors like emotions, sensory input, and thoughts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biopsychosocial Model of Pain

This model acknowledges that pain is influenced by biological (e.g., nerve damage), psychological (e.g., stress), and social (e.g., support system) factors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neurochemical Transmission & Pain

Pain signals travel through nerves using chemicals like neurotransmitters, which can amplify or inhibit pain experiences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Coping with Pain

Different strategies people use to manage pain, both physical and mental, include strategies like distraction, relaxation techniques, and pain medication.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chronic Pain

Pain that lasts for an extended period, typically beyond 3 months, and can be caused by a variety of factors including injury, illness, or underlying conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acute Pain

Short-term pain that typically arises from a specific injury or medical condition and resolves within a few weeks or months.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Benign Pain

Chronic pain that is harmless and not worsening, meaning it is not caused by a life-threatening condition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Malignant Pain

Chronic pain that is caused by a serious and worsening condition, such as cancer or a progressive illness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Continuous Pain

Chronic pain that is present consistently, without significant breaks or periods of relief.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Episodic Pain

Chronic pain that occurs in frequent, intense episodes, with periods of relative relief in between.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Perception

The process of experiencing pain, which involves both physical and psychological components.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Perception: Physiological Component

The physical aspect of pain perception, which involves the activation of nerve fibers and release of chemicals in response to tissue damage.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chronic-recurrent pain

Pain that comes and goes in intense episodes, separated by periods without pain. It is caused by non-cancerous conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Migraine headaches

A type of chronic-recurrent pain characterized by intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tension-type headaches

A type of chronic-recurrent pain characterized by a dull, aching pain that feels like a tight band around the head. Often caused by stress or muscle tension.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Myofascial pain

A type of chronic-recurrent pain that typically affects the muscles of the jaw, head, and neck. Often associated with muscle knots and tenderness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chronic-intractable-benign pain

Pain that is always present, but varies in intensity. It is caused by non-cancerous conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chronic-progressive pain

Pain that is ongoing, becoming increasingly intense over time. It is associated with cancerous conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

A-delta fibers

Nerve fibers that are coated with myelin and fast-conducting. They carry sharp, well-defined pain signals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

C fibers

Nerve fibers that are not coated with myelin and transmit impulses slowly. They carry dull, burning, or aching pain signals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Muscle Ischemia

A process where blood flow to muscles is reduced, often intentionally in medical procedures like the muscle-ischemia procedure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are A-delta and C fibers?

These are types of nerve fibers that carry pain signals from the body to the spinal cord. A-delta fibers transmit sharp, localized, and immediate pain, while C fibers carry slow, dull, and persistent pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Transmission Cells?

Located in the spinal cord, these cells receive signals from pain fibers and send them on to the brain, triggering the feeling of pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the 'Gate' in the Gate-Control Theory?

It's a metaphorical 'gate' located in the spinal cord. It regulates how much pain information is transmitted to the brain from the body. Factors like other sensory input or psychological state can influence the gate's openness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How can factors influence the 'Gate'?

Factors like other sensory input (like rubbing a painful area) and psychological state (like stress) can affect whether the 'gate' is open or closed, influencing how much pain is perceived.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does the output of signals impact pain?

The greater the 'gate' is open and the stronger the signals transmitted by the transmission cells, the more intense the pain is perceived.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the significance of the Gate-Control Theory?

It helps explain how psychological factors can influence pain experience, offering a physiological framework for understanding the interaction between mind and body in pain perception.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Where is the pain gate located?

The pain gate is primarily located in the substantia gelatinosa of the dorsal horns, which are part of the gray matter in the spinal cord.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does the pain gate operate?

The pain gate opens when there is high activity in pain fibers, allowing signals to reach the brain. The gate closes when there is high activity in A-beta fibers, blocking pain signals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are pain fibers?

Pain fibers, also known as nociceptors, are sensory nerve fibers that transmit pain signals from the body to the spinal cord.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the factors that control the pain gate?

The pain gate is controlled by three main factors: activity in pain fibers, activity in A-beta fibers, and other factors like emotions and thoughts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does massage help reduce pain?

Massage stimulates A-beta fibers, increasing their activity and closing the pain gate, thereby inhibiting pain signals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why does applying heat to sore muscles reduce pain?

Applying heat stimulates A-beta fibers, which in turn, decreases the activity of pain fibers and closes the pain gate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Perception & Observation

How someone's pain is perceived can be influenced by who's observing them. Patients may report more pain when a solicitous spouse watches them versus a healthcare worker.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain and Social Support

Spouses often overestimate a patient's pain, which can lead to less support for their daily activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain and Family Dynamics

Family members' reactions to chronic pain influence each other's behavior. Highly solicitous families can unintentionally promote a 'sick role' in the patient.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Sensitivity & Ethnicity

Pain sensitivity can vary across ethnic groups. Asian Americans report higher pain in lab settings compared to Whites, who have higher pain sensitivity than African and Hispanic Americans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain and Socioeconomic Status

Individuals in lower socioeconomic classes often experience more pain in daily life than those in higher classes, across different nations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain and Cultural Comparisons

Prevalence of chronic pain varies across countries, with higher rates in the United States compared to Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Mexico.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain and Ethnicity: Migraine & Back Pain

Asian Americans report significantly lower rates of migraine headache and back/neck pain compared to Whites, Blacks, and Hispanic Americans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Impact of Chronic Pain

People with chronic low back pain experience greater work and social impairments in the United States compared to Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Mexico.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is pain?

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that signals potential or actual tissue damage. It's a crucial warning system that helps us avoid harm and seek treatment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gate-Control Theory

This theory explains how pain signals travel through a metaphorical 'gate' in the spinal cord. Factors like emotions, thoughts, and sensory input can influence the opening and closing of the gate, affecting how much pain is perceived.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is pain important?

Pain serves as a vital warning system, alerting us to potential or actual tissue damage, prompting us to take protective action and seek treatment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neurochemical Transmission

Pain signals travel through nerves via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These chemicals can amplify or inhibit pain experiences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the 'gate'?

The 'gate' in the Gate-Control Theory refers to a region in the spinal cord that regulates the flow of pain signals to the brain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does coping affect pain?

Different coping strategies, both physical and psychological, can influence our pain experiences. Techniques like distraction, relaxation, and medication can help manage pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Organic Pain

Pain directly linked to tissue damage or pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychogenic Pain

Pain where medical exams fail to find a physical cause.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the two types of pain?

Pain can be classified as either organic or psychogenic, depending on its origin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain is short-term, resolving within a few weeks or months, while chronic pain lasts longer than 3 months.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the gate-control theory of pain?

Pain signals must pass through a metaphorical 'gate' in the spinal cord, which can be opened or closed by factors like emotions and sensory input.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are some factors that influence the 'gate'?

Other sensory input, like rubbing a painful area, and psychological state, like stress, can affect the 'gate's openness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does the gate-control theory explain the impact of the mind on pain?

It suggests that our thoughts, emotions, and other experiences can affect the intensity of pain we perceive.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pattern Theory of Pain

This theory suggests that there isn't a separate system for perceiving pain. Instead, pain arises from specific patterns of neural activity triggered by intense stimulation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Factors influencing the pain gate

Emotions (anxiety, fear), sensory input (rubbing the area), and thoughts (focusing on pain) can influence the pain gate's openness, impacting how much pain we experience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ethnic Variations in Pain Sensitivity

Pain sensitivity can differ across cultures. Certain ethnic groups may experience pain more or less intensely compared to others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Socioeconomic Impact on Pain

People in lower socioeconomic classes often report greater pain in daily life compared to individuals with higher socioeconomic status.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the periaqueductal gray area?

It's a region in the midbrain that plays a crucial role in pain modulation. It receives signals from various parts of the brain and body, and then sends out signals to other areas, including the spinal cord, to regulate pain experience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do opiates and opioids work?

They mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain-relieving chemicals in the body (endorphins). They bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and producing a sense of analgesia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Naloxone's role

It's a drug that blocks the effects of opiates and opioids by competing for the same receptor sites. It's used to reverse opioid overdose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What happens when the periaqueductal gray area is stimulated?

It triggers a chain reaction involving serotonin and endorphin release, which in turn, inhibits pain signals in the spinal cord.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are endorphins?

They're naturally occurring neurochemicals in the body that act as pain relievers by binding to opioid receptors. They're produced during exercise, laughter, and other pleasurable activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are inhibitory interneurons?

They're nerve cells in the spinal cord that, when activated, suppress the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is substance P?

It's a neurotransmitter that carries pain signals from the body to the brain. Its release at the pain fibers contributes to the sensation of pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do opiates and opioids affect substance P?

By binding to opioid receptors, they inhibit the release of substance P, reducing the intensity of pain signals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Self-Statements and Pain

Positive self-statements can reduce pain when participants understand how those statements enhance their personal control.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Muscle-Ischemia Procedure

A procedure where blood flow to muscles is restricted, causing pain, used to study pain perception and treatments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ethical Standards in Pain Research

Psychologists must ensure research with aversive stimuli is safe and ethical, informing participants of potential risks and ensuring no harm.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Threshold

The point at which a person begins to perceive pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Sensitivity

Individual differences in the intensity of pain perception, some people are more sensitive than others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain Perception & Beliefs

Our beliefs about the purpose of self-statements can influence how we experience pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pain and Cultural Differences

The prevalence and experience of pain vary across cultures, possibly due to factors like social expectations and pain tolerance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chronic Pain and Social Impact

Chronic pain can significantly impact daily life, causing work and social impairments, and variations exist across countries.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Pain

  • Pain is a sensory and emotional experience often associated with tissue damage or irritation.
  • It's a crucial survival mechanism, signaling injury and prompting protective action.
  • Pain can be organic (linked to tissue damage) or psychogenic (psychosocial factors).
  • Pain can be described along several dimensions—sensory, emotional, and evaluative.

Types of Pain

  • Acute pain: Short-term pain lasting less than 3 months. Often associated with temporary injuries.
  • Chronic pain: Persistent or recurring pain lasting more than 3 months. Can stem from various conditions with varied intensities and can be chronic-recurrent, chronic-intractable-benign, and chronic-progressive.

The Qualities and Dimensions of Pain

  • Pain has diverse qualities (sharp, dull, burning, aching, throbbing).
  • Pain intensity and location vary, depending on the type and source of injury.
  • Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and expectation can influence pain experience.
  • Some pain experiences, like phantom limb pain, have no identifiable physical cause.

Psychological Factors in Pain

  • Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, expectation of pain, and catastrophizing influence pain intensity.
  • Individual experiences and beliefs about pain affect its perceived intensity.
  • Learned associations with pain stimuli or situations can exacerbate pain, and pain experiences can be influenced by social factors.

Coping Mechanisms

  • People adopt various coping strategies to manage pain, ranging from overt behaviors (like resting or taking medication) to covert ones (like distraction, positive self-talk, or re-defining the experiences).
  • Patients' social support systems and relationships can significantly influence chronic pain experience, and how others view or respond to pain behavior can reinforce these activities.

Assessing Pain

  • Self-report methods: Patients describe their pain using scales (visual analog, box or numeric, verbal rating scales).
  • Behavioral assessment approaches: Observing pain-related behaviors such as grimacing, rubbing the affected area, or change in activity.
  • Psychophysiological measures: Measuring physiological responses (e.g., muscle tension, heart rate, EEG activity) to assess pain.
  • Detailed interviews are often used to understand past experiences, impact on lifestyle, emotional responses, and coping strategies.

Biopsychosocial Aspects of Pain

  • The experience of pain is influenced by biological factors (tissue damage, neurochemicals like substance P, endorphin and endogenous opioids), psychological factors (emotions, thoughts, coping, and expectations), and social factors (relationships, social support, and cultural influence).
  • There's a complex interplay of these factors in both acute and chronic pain.

Pain in Children

  • Children also experience pain, though the expression and reporting of pain may vary across developmental stages due to language and cognitive abilities.
  • The way children report and react to pain can differ, and younger children may rely on pain behaviors like crying to signal pain.
  • Understanding of pain and its impact on children varies across cultures, and poses challenges for accurate assessment and treatment.

Theories of Pain

  • Specificity theory: Claims the nervous system has separate pain receptors that transmit signals directly to the brain.
  • Pattern theory: Proposes that no specific pain pathway exists and that various patterns of nerve activity contribute to the perception of pain.
  • Gate-control theory: Suggests a "gate" mechanism in the spinal cord that modulates pain signals and influences how much pain we experience based on the interplay of pain signals, activities of other nerve fibers, and brain signals.
  • The gate-control theory explains how psychological factors like distraction, relaxation, or re-framing the experience can alter pain perception and influence pain intensity.

Pain Management: Chemical, Surgical, and Stimulation Methods

  • Chemical methods: Various medications manage pain, including opiates (narcotics), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), local anesthetics, and other chemicals.
  • Surgical methods: Procedures like neuroablation (disconnecting nerve fibers), spinal fusion, and laminectomy can reduce pain through interrupting pain signals. These procedures may be a more effective option for acute pain or when other treatments fail. Though not always viable or effective for chronic pain.
  • Stimulation methods: Techniques like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), acupuncture, and spinal cord stimulation aim to alter pain transmission through stimulation. Effectiveness varies depending on factors.

Pain Clinics

  • Pain clinics offer multidisciplinary approaches to pain management, combining diverse pain-relief methods from medication, physical therapy, psychology, to other methods.
  • This interdisciplinary approach commonly includes physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, and other specialists.

Psychological Treatments for Pain

  • Cognitive therapy: Helps patients change their thoughts about pain, improving emotional response, and re-framing circumstances surrounding the event.
  • Hypnosis: Reduces acute pain through relaxation and distraction strategies. Effectiveness depends on patient.
  • Interpersonal Therapy: Focuses on improving patients' relationships and reducing emotional distress to lessen the impact of pain.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and modify negative thoughts and behaviors associated with pain, and can improve long-term outcomes.

Clinical Evaluation

  • Assessing pain requires collecting detailed information through interviews, observation of physical behavior, and using various scales to measure pain intensity and other qualities of pain.
  • Identifying coping mechanisms and understanding meaning patients give to pain experiences, is crucial for successful treatment of chronic pain. - Identifying the specific aspects of pain and related experiences helps pain relief approach.

The Role of Meaning in Pain

  • The meaning a person gives to their pain significantly influences how they experience and cope with it.
  • Meaning is related to perceived control, expectations of the pain's duration, and the circumstances surrounding the pain.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Chapter 11-12: The Nature and Symptoms of Pain PDF

Description

Test your understanding of the role of pain in human survival and its psychological aspects. This quiz covers various theories, methods of assessing pain, and the biological responses associated with it. Explore key concepts such as chronic vs. acute pain and the impact of emotional states on pain perception.

More Like This

Health Psychology Introductory Quiz
10 questions

Health Psychology Introductory Quiz

EffortlessAmazonite avatar
EffortlessAmazonite
Psicología del Dolor
10 questions

Psicología del Dolor

PhenomenalCombination avatar
PhenomenalCombination
Understanding Pain Management and Assessment
115 questions

Understanding Pain Management and Assessment

SumptuousSugilite7063 avatar
SumptuousSugilite7063
Skausmo psichologija ir terapija
48 questions

Skausmo psichologija ir terapija

IntriguingPsaltery6000 avatar
IntriguingPsaltery6000
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser