• J Vymĕtal.
• Oddĕlení lékarské psychologie 1. lékarské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Praha.
• Cas. Lek. Cesk. 1991 Mar 1;130(9):257-61.

AbstractPain is one of the most original and oldest experiences of humans and is an example of the psychosomatic interconnection and unity of processes in the human organism. For man it is above all a subjective experience and condition. Pain can be divided into acute and chronic pain. In both it is possible to influence by psychological means in particular the intensity of pain, which is done by means which reduce anxiety, fear and tension. In case of acute pain this is achieved by the psychological approach of the doctor who should be empathic and be an authority for the patient. Muscular relaxation of the patient has also a favourable effect, similarly as the possibility to manifest pain freely and distracting attention from pain. Only in exceptional cases hypnosis and suggestion can be used. Chronic pain can be mitigated by psychotherapeutic programmes by means of which we alter the patient's incorrect idea on the origin of pain and help him to gain control over his pain and promote his activity and self-consciousness. It is advisable to engage in therapy also the family and support the formation of self-help groups. In the USA and FRG favourable and stable results are reported with influencing of pain and its therapy by psychological procedures.

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