• G Kaluza and H D Basler.
• Institut für Medizinische Psychologie der Philipps-Universität, Bunsenstraße 3, D-3550, Marburg.
• Schmerz. 1988 Jun 1;2(2):82-8.

AbstractPsychological methods for the treatment of chronic pain have been developed within the contextual framework of behavioral medicine during the past few years. Some of these self-control approaches focus on the patient's capacity to cope actively with pain. Standardized self-control training for outpatient group treatment for patients with chronic pain is described. The training consists of training in progressive muscle relaxation and pain-control techniques such as attention diversion, imagination, and relabeling of sensations as well as modification of pain-related attitutes and awareness. Thirty-three patients with chronic back pain were assigned either to one of four treatment groups (n=22) or to a waiting list control group (n=11). After 12 sessions of group treatment, patients showed significant improvement regarding daily ratings of pain intensity and mood and a significant decrease in depression and general physical complaints other than pain; the waiting list patients remained the same. Results showed good maintenance at the half-year follow-up.

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