Citation

Colegrave S, Holcombe C, Salmon P. J. Psychosom. Res. 2001; 50(6): 303-307.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11438111

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Extensive evidence links unexplained physical symptoms in adults with childhood abuse. This study investigated a possible link between unexplained breast pain, recalled childhood abuse and emotional and somatic distress. METHODS: Consecutive female out-patients presenting with breast pain were categorised as treatment-resistant (n=20), newly diagnosed and requesting treatment (n=37), or newly diagnosed but reassured and not seeking treatment (n=32) and compared with pain-free patients with breast lumps (n=31). RESULTS: All breast pain groups were more anxious and depressed, somatised more and recalled a higher incidence of emotional abuse by comparison with breast lump patients. Logistic regression confirmed that emotional abuse and anxiety were independently associated with breast pain. CONCLUSION: Clinical management of patients who present breast pain should be sensitive to the evidence that pain is a marker of emotional abuse in some women and is associated with widespread somatic and emotional distress.

Language: en