Endometriosis is a pervasive, widespread disease that affects millions of women worldwide. The number of women affected by endometriosis is increasing at a staggering rate. Endometriosis impacts women in a variety of ways; it often gradually strips away their resistance to pain, their emotional strength, their concept of femininity and their ability to cope with challenges. This study aimed to provide a voice for women diagnosed with endometriosis. The study allowed the participants to share their experiences from diagnosis through to treatment and to explain the ways in which endometriosis influences their daily lives. In this research report the psychological impact of this disease is discussed, and factors that are not currently addressed by medical professionals treating women with endometriosis are highlighted. Social constructionism provided the theoretical framework for the study. One-on-one, in-depth interviews were conducted with five women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis by a gynaecologist through means of laparoscopic surgery. The method of analysis involved thematic network analysis. The participants’ narratives were converted into interview transcripts. These transcripts were analysed by the researchers and themes were identified. Themes that repeated were elaborated and were linked to available literature. The researcher hopes that this dissertation will contribute to existing knowledge regarding the psychological effects of endometriosis. It is hoped that it will help both the medical community and future and existing patients understand this disease and the effect that it has on the lives of women around the world, but particularly the lives of women in South Africa. / Psychology / M. Sc. (Psychology)

Chronic pain is common in western countries and entails considerable consequences for the afflicted individuals as well as for the society. Furthermore, chronic pain is complex including an advanced interplay between biological-, psychological- and social aspects. Treatment of chronic pain attempts to decrease pain intensity and increase physical-, psychological- and social functioning. However, the treatment of chronic pain is still not optimized. Different types of physical activity and exercise (PA&E) are commonly applied as non-pharmacological treatment strategies for chronic pain, but the most efficient type and dose of PA&E are unclear. In addition, adherence to prescribed PA&E is often troublesome, which further complicates the application of PA&E as treatment for chronic pain. The aim of this thesis is to increase the knowledge about PA&E as treatment for chronic pain regarding pain intensity, biochemical substances, adherence and attitudes. The findings of this thesis were that a long-term, home-based PA&E intervention comprising strength exercises as well as stretch exercises decreased pain intensity and increased function in women with chronic neck- and shoulder pain. Using microdialysis technique, differences in pain modulatory biochemical substances were found, before the intervention, in painful trapezius muscle compared to pain-free trapezius muscle. In addition, alterations in pain modulatory substances in painful trapezius muscle after the intervention were found, which possibly could imply peripheral physiological effects of PA&E. Furthermore, psychological factors could be associated to the effects of and adherence to the PA&E intervention. An intention to be physically active were expressed by patients with chronic pain, but a discordance between the intention and PA&E-behaviour were evident, even though the PA&E were experienced as valuable. In conclusion, this thesis strengthens the importance of PA&E as treatment for chronic pain. Especially, this thesis increases the knowledge about; possible peripheral pain inhibitory effects after long-term exercise; how psychological factors might affect the results of PA&E; and also about important behavioural aspects that might affect adherence to prescribed PA&E. This thesis highlights the need of more research on physiological pain inhibitory effects of long-term PA&E in chronic pain. Furthermore, improved methods for ensured adherence to prescribed PA&E are necessary in order to optimize the effect of PA&E as treatment for chronic pain.

The Behavioral Medicine Questionnare (BMQ) is a 44- item instrument administered via a computer CRT display or pencil and paper. The BMQ was designed to help primary care physicians treating spinal disorders to screen for emotional factors which warrant further psychological evaluation. The test is composed of three scales: Anxiety, Depression, and Somatization. Concurrent validity for each scale was determined through comparisons with subject (n = 133) scores on clinician judgement ratings, pain drawings, and the MMPI. The psychometric properties of the test were supported through statistical analysis. Significant correlations were found between the BMQ, MMPI, and clinician ratings, with the latter showing relationships of lesser strength. The only significant correlation to subject generated pain drawings was to the BMQ depression scale. Analysis indicated the need for seperate norms for males and females. Further research is needed to facilitate measurement and interpretation of the BMQ.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent of emotional alienation consistent with ecological and chronic pain patients and to assess differences on this dimension between these two patient populations. Ecological group included 100 ecological inpatients, chronic pain group, 30 spinal pain clinic patients. Tests administered were the Sixteen Personality Factor (16 PF) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) including Harris and Lingoes subscales. The ecological group was significantly higher on measures of alienation than the pain group or the standardization population. Results also indicated that the ecological group demonstrated more psychopathology. Emotional alienation appeared to be a consistent stressor in ecological and chronic pain patients. Treatment of these patients should include the reduction of this emotional correlate.

The disabling conditions of chronic low-back pain continue to cost patient, family, and society. The intricate mechanisms which perpetuate this medical condition often consist of both organic and functional factors. This study evaluated personality and psychosocial variables which may control individual responses to facet denervation, a treatment for chronic lumbar distress. The subjects were 47 chronic pain patients whose symptoms conformed to the facet syndrome. Patient responses to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire were reviewed in an effort to predict statistically symptomatic relief. Also, the patients' involvement in litigation and their accuracy in determining their pain level were studied as possible influencing variables. Results show the litigation factor and two scalesof the MMPI to be most useful in predicting patient response from facet denervation treatment.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS) can be treated in many different ways. I found a problem in the balance of healing modalities surrounding diagnosis and care of illness and disease. This struggle is not singular to AS and CPS, but universal to physical and mental concerns. Some effective treatments and therapies are not recognized as such or are just beginning to become so. The scope of my work reflects on the course of my life. It was heavily influenced by the way my medical care was managed from an early age and how it evolved over the years. Through my educational program, I examined the necessity to bridge the gap between treatment paradigms and to expand on a broader, more inclusive, healing rubric. This rubric includes a broader emphasis on skill-based and complementary and alternative medicines. The viability to incorporate holistic health therapies earlier in life is explored through my use of the Scholarly Personal Narrative (SPN) qualitative research method. I chose this methodology because scientific fact could be argued either way for one therapeutic approach over another. By incorporating lived experience through SPN the union and cohesion necessary in all healing modalities, and their positive aspects, can be seen. The truth becomes self-evident. The results of this examination showed awareness earlier in life toward alternative and holistic treatments being paramount. Parents and educators lack information concerning modern therapeutic approaches. It also showed each situation will vary, but choice in treatment for ailments and illness of all kinds is not only viable, but highly recommended and researched. Access issues such as health insurance remain obstacles with some treatments and therapies, while others are a matter of cost prohibition, such as nutrition therapies. The implications of my work indicate a need for earlier incorporation of holistic healing programs and skill based therapies alongside perpetuated medical models in early childhood development and education. In conclusion, awareness towards medical concerns and how we as a society treat them can be improved upon by systemically incorporating less harmful therapies earlier in life. Fostering relations between medical providers, care providers and educators for students' wellbeing should be the foreground of any educational policy. Educators and parents alike should be made aware of and take advantage of effective skill-based treatments before a physical or mental condition surfaces or medication only approaches are authoritatively recommended. Integrating programs that build strong mental resilience and focus on youth development and education can reduce the necessity for more invasive treatments or medications should an ailment or illness develop.

A prevalência de dor crônica entre pacientes com transtornos psiquiátricos é, possivelmente, no mínimo igual à da população geral; no entanto, são poucos os estudos na área. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência e as características da dor crônica em pacientes com esquizofrenia e comparar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com e sem dor crônica. Método: Estudo transversal que envolveu uma amostra probabilística de 205 pacientes adultos, com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia (idade média 37 anos; 65% homens; média de anos de escolaridade 9 anos; 87% sem companheiro(a); 65% residiam com os pais; como ocupação principal, 25% eram trabalhadores dos serviços), atendidos em um ambulatório de hospital público do município de São Paulo, Brasil. Os pacientes foram entrevistados por meio de dois instrumentos caracterização da população e da dor e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL-bref. Resultados: A prevalência de dor em pacientes esquizofrênicos foi de 36,6% (75 pacientes). A dor foi mais presente no abdômen (30,7%), seguida da cabeça, face e boca (24%) e região lombar, sacra e cóccix (14,7%). Com relação à freqüência, 24% dos entrevistados referiram ter dor todos os dias, com duração entre 1 a 6 horas, 33,3% afirmaram ter dor de duas a três vezes por semana e 40% referiram dor em períodos mais espaçados, uma vez por semana e a cada quinze dias e somente 2,7% (n=2) uma vez por mês. O tempo médio de dor foi de 41 meses (DP=42,8). Dor moderada foi prevalente. Os escores de qualidade de vida foram baixos para os doentes do grupo sem dor (domínios físico 12,5; psicológico 11,9; social 7,4 e meio-ambiente 9,6) e com dor (domínios físico 11,4; psicológico 11,9; social 7,5 e meio-ambiente 10,6). Na comparação entre os grupos, o domínio físico apresentou diferença (p<0,001), o que indicou que pacientes esquizofrênicos com dor têm pior qualidade de vida por maior prejuízo funcional. Não houve diferença nos demais domínios (psicológico, relações sociais e meio-ambiente). Conclusão: O estudo é inédito em nosso meio e, em alguns aspectos, em âmbito internacional. A prevalência de dor crônica em pacientes esquizofrênicos foi semelhante à da população geral e o quadro álgico foi significativo em termos de tempo de duração, intensidade e freqüência dos episódios dolorosos. A qualidade de vida foi inferior à descrita em outros estudos, com pacientes esquizofrênicos, e a dor crônica piorou a qualidade de vida. Maior atenção à qualidade de vida de pacientes esquizofrênicos e ao controle da dor crônica deve ser observada / Background The prevalence of chronic pain among patients with psychiatric disturbance is possibly at least similar to the general population; however, there are too few studies in this field. Aims: to assess the chronic pain prevalence and its characteristics in schizophrenic patients, and to compare the quality of life of patients with and without chronic pain. Methods: Crossover study with a probabilistic sample of 205 adult outpatients with diagnosis of schizophrenia (mean age = 37 years, 65% men, mean scholarity = 9 years, 87% single, 65% living with parents, 25% had a job), treated in a governmental hospital of Sao Paulo city, Brazil. Patients were assessed by two instruments: characteristics of population/psychiatric disorder/pain and World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL BREF). Results: Prevalence of pain in schizophrenic patients was 36,6%, (75 patients). Pain was more referred on abdomen (30.7%), followed by head/face/mouth (24%), and lumbar/sacral and coccyx regions (14.7%). Regarding frequency, 24% of the interviewees referred pain everyday with duration of 1 to 6 hours , 33.3% had pain two to three times a week, 40% referred pain with long intervals in between (once a week and each fortnight), and 2.7% (2 patients) once a month. Mean pain duration was 41 months (DP=42.8). Moderate pain was prevalent. Quality of life scores were low for patients without pain (domains 12,5; 11,9; 7,4;9,6) and with pain (domains 11,4; 11,9; 7,5; 10,6). In the comparison between groups, physical domain showed difference (P<0.001), which indicated that schizophrenic patients with pain have worse quality of life due to higher functional disability. There was no difference in other domains. Conclusion: This is a national original study, and in some aspects also original in the international scope. The prevalence of chronic pain in schizophrenic patients was similar to the general population and pain was significant in terms of duration, intensity and frequency. Quality of life was inferior to that described in other studies with schizophrenic patients and chronic pain worsened the quality of life. Higher attention to quality of life of schizophrenic patients and to the chronic pain control must be observed

Exercícios de força com intensidade preferida ou prescrita resultam em efeitos analgésicos semelhantes em pacientes com FM, sugerindo que o modelo de treinamento deve ser recomendado para melhorar a aderência ao exercício. O objetivo foi comparar o efeito de sessões de exercícios de força com intensidade preferida e prescrita na dor de pacientes com FM. De forma aleatória, as mulheres do sexo feminino (n = 32, idade 20-55 anos) foram submetidas às seguintes sessões de exercício: i) prescrição padrão (STD, 6 x 10 repetições com 60% de uma repetição máxima); ii) carga auto-selecionada com número fixo de repetições (SS); iii) carga auto-selecionada com volume total correspondente ao volume STD (SS-VM); e iii) carga auto-selecionada com um número livre de repetições até atingir o escore 7 na Escala de Percepção ao esforço (SS-PSE). A dor foi avaliada através da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e do Questionário de Dor de McGill Short-Form (SF-MPQ) antes imediatamente após e 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas após as sessões de exercícios de força. O humor, escala de afetividade ao exercício e a PSE da sessão também foram medidos. A intensidade foi significativamente menor em SS, SS-VM, SS-PSE do que em STD, enquanto o volume total, humor, afetividade ao exercício e PSE não tiveram diferença entre as sessões. As pontuações de VAS também aumentaram imediatamente após todas as sessões de exercício (p < 0,0001) e, em seguida, reduziram significativamente após 48, 72, 96 h (p < 0,0001), permanecendo elevada em relação aos prévalores. Os valores de SF-MPQ aumentaram significativamente imediatamente após todas as sessões de exercício de resistência (p = 0,025), depois diminuíram gradualmente ao longo do tempo, atingindo os níveis basais às 24 h. Não houve efeito de interação significativa para a dor. As sessões de exercício de força prescrita e preferida não foram capaz de induzir analgesia em pacientes com FM, sugerindo que os modelos de exercícios de força que levem a menores intensidades percebidas podem ser necessários para superar essa resposta anormal nesta síndrome / Preferable and prescribed resistance exercises result similar analgesic effects in FM patients suggesting that the training model should be recommended to improve exercise adherence. Compare the effect of preferred and prescribed resistance exercises on pain in FM patients. In a randomized cross-over fashion, FM female patients (n = 32, age 20-55 years) underwent the following exercise sessions: i) standard prescription (STD; 6 x 10 repetitions at 60% of one-maximum repetition); ii) self-selected load with fixed number of repetitions (SS); iii) self-selected load with total volume matched for STD volume (SS-VM); and iii) self-selected load with a free number of repetitions until achieving score 7 in the rating of perceived exertion (SS-RPE). Pain was assessed through the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) before and 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the resistance exercise sessions. Mood, affective valence scale and session RPE were also measured. Intensity was significantly lower in SS, SS-VM, SS-RPE than in STD, whereas total volume, mood, affective and RPE were comparable between the sessions. VAS scores equally increased immediately after all the exercise sessions (p < 0.0001), and then significantly reduced after 48, 72, 96 h (p < 0.0001), remaining elevated as compared to pre-values. SF-MPQ values significantly increased immediately after all the resistance exercise sessions (p = 0.025), then gradually reduced across time, reaching baseline levels at 24 h. There was no significant interaction effect for pain. Prescribed and preferable resistance exercise equally failed to induce analgesia in FM patients, suggesting that resistance exercise models leading to lower perceived intensities might be needed to overcome this dysfunctional response in this syndromes

Les schémas précoces inadaptés sont associés à différentes pathologies psychologiques et en sont parfois à l'origine et/ou la cause de leur maintien. Cependant, les schémas précoces inadaptés ne sont pas les seuls à l'œuvre en fonction des pathologies ; ils sont en lien avec le coping, le contrôle du moi et les croyances. Le but de ce travail est l'amélioration de la compréhension de l'activation des schémas précoces inadaptés ainsi que l'influence des facteurs psychopathologiques et cognitifs dans une population générale, chez les douloureux chroniques, chez les futurs parents et dans une population souffrant de troubles du comportement alimentaire. Une première étude quantitative a été réalisée afin de mettre en évidence l'activation des schémas précoces inadaptés et leurs relations avec les stratégies de coping et contrôle du moi auprès d'une population générale. Une seconde étude a été réalisée dans le but de mettre en évidence l'activation des schémas précoces inadaptés et leurs liens avec les stratégies de coping et le contrôle du moi chez les futurs parents. Une troisième étude a été menée afin de démontrer l'activation des schémas précoces inadaptés en relation avec la représentation du corps et les troubles alimentaires. Et une quatrième étude a été élaborée dans le but de tester l'hypothèse d'une activation des schémas précoces inadaptés en relation avec la représentation de la douleur dans une population tunisienne. Des corrélations significatives ont été observées entre les stratégies de coping et les schémas précoces inadaptés ainsi qu'entre le contrôle du moi et les schémas précoces inadaptés et aussi entre les stratégies de coping et le contrôle du moi. / Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are associated with different forms of psychopathology being not only a source of its manifestation but also a means for maintaining maladaptive behaviour. It is likely that EMS are not the only element linked to psychopathology; coping, irrational beliefs, and ego control are likely linked to both schemas and maladaptive behaviour. The objective of this work was to better understand activation of EMS as well as the influence of cognitive and psychopathological factors in the general population, in individuals suffering from chronic debilitating pain, in future parents, and in those suffering from eating disorders. The objective of the first study is the EMS activation and their relationship to coping strategies and ego control in the general population. The second study explores the expression of EMS in future parents and identify the relationship between EMS, coping, and ego control. The third study is about the EMS activation in relationship to body image and the manifestation of eating disorder sand. The fourth one studies EMS in relationship to chronic pain in a Tunisian sample. Significant and meaningful correlations were found between coping strategies, ego control and EMS. Gender differences were also identified and explored.

Introdução: pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos ainda comumente referem dor pós-operatória moderada ou intensa. Com o aumento da prevalência de obesidade em todo o mundo, existe uma demanda crescente de procedimentos cirúrgicos nesse subtipo de população, relacionados ao controle da própria obesidade ou não. O uso de metadona como adjuvante analgésico no intraoperatório tem sido estudado nos últimos anos, mas não há estudo envolvendo essa população específica. O objetivo deste ensaio clínico foi avaliar o uso da metadona endovenosa como opioide no intraoperatório para controle da dor pós-operatória em obesos submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: pacientes admitidos no hospital com programação de cirurgia bariátrica foram distribuídos entre dois grupos. Ambos foram submetidos a uma anestesia geral padronizada e receberam Fentanil (grupo F) ou metadona (grupo M) durante a indução e manutenção anestésica. O desfecho primário foi o consumo de morfina nas primeiras 72 horas após a cirurgia. Nas primeiras 48 horas o consumo de opioide era quantificado por meio de um dispositivo de analgesia controlada pelo paciente, enquanto entre 48 h e 72 h foram prescritos bolus de morfina conforme necessidade. Como desfechos secundários foram avaliados os escores de dor ao repouso e ao esforço de tosse, efeitos adversos relacionados ao uso de opioides e grau de satisfação do paciente com a analgesia até 72 h no pós-operatório. Os pacientes também foram avaliados três meses após a cirurgia quanto à presença de dor, disestesia e parestesia na cicatriz operatória. Resultados: o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório foi menor em pacientes do grupo M nos períodos de avaliação pós-operatórios de 2 horas (diferença média [DM] 6,4 mg; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% entre 3,1 e 9,6; p < 0,001); entre 2 e 6 horas (DM 11,4 mg; IC95% 6,5 a 16,2; p < 0,001); entre 6 e 24 horas (DM 10,4 mg; IC95% 5,0 a 15,7; p < 0,001) e entre 24 e 48 horas (DM 14,5 mg; IC95% 3,9 a 25,1; p=0,01). Pacientes do grupo M também referiram menores escores de dor até 24 horas de pós-operatório, houve menor incidência de náusea e vômito e maior satisfação com a analgesia. Na avaliação três meses após a cirurgia, menos pacientes do grupo M apresentaram dor evocada na cicatriz cirúrgica se comparados aos do grupo F. / Introduction: patients undergoing surgical procedures still commonly report moderate to severe postoperative pain. With the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide, there is a growing demand for surgical procedures in this population, whether related to obesity or not. The use of methadone as an adjuvant analgesic in the intraoperative period has been studied in recent years, but there is no research involving this specific population. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the use of intraoperative intravenous methadone for the control of postoperative pain in morbidly obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery. Methods: patients with a body mass index of 35 Kg.m-2 or greater who were admitted to the hospital for bariatric surgery were divided into two groups. Both underwent standardized general anesthesia and received Fentanyl (group F) or methadone (M group) during anesthetic induction and maintenance. The primary endpoint was morphine consumption within the first 72 hours after surgery. In the first 48 h postoperatively, opioid use was measured using a patient-controlled analgesia device, and between 48 h and 72 h opioid boluses were prescribed as needed. Secondary outcomes were pain at rest and while coughing, adverse effects related to the use of opioids and degree of patient satisfaction with analgesia until 72 h postoperatively. Patients were also evaluated three months after surgery for the presence of pain, dysesthesia and paraesthesia at the surgical site. Results: postoperative morphine consumption was lower in patients in the M group in the postoperative evaluation periods of 2 hours (mean difference [MD] 6.4 mg, 95% confidence interval [CI] between 3.1 and 9.6, p < 0.001); between 2 and 6 hours (MD 11.4 mg, 95% CI 6.5 to 16.2, p < 0.001); between 6 and 24 hours (MD 10.4 mg, 95% CI 5.0 to 15.7, p < 0.001) and between 24 and 48 hours (MD 14.5 mg, CI 95% 3.9 to 25.1, p = 0.01). Patients in the M group also reported lower pain scores up to 24 hours after surgery, there was a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting and greater satisfaction with analgesia. At the three months after the surgery evaluation, less patients in the M group presented evoked pain in the surgical scar compared to those in the F group. Conclusion: the intraoperative use of intravenous methadone for morbidly obese patients submitted to bariatric surgeries may reduce postoperative opioid use and reduce the intensity of postoperative pain safely when compared to fentanyl