PSYCHOSOMATIC ASPECTS OF PAIN IN THE ELDE RLY - FINDINGS FROM THE ELDER-MEN-STUDY

115 geriatric in-patients are included in the current study examining relationships between regions of experienced pain, subjective pain int ensity, and psychological variables. - An investigation of the connect ion between psychosomatic limitations (BSS) and pain indicated, that p ain patients do not necessarily require psychosomatic-psychotherapeuti c treatment (in our study only 21.6 %). 61.7 % of the study sample rep orted intense pain at least one body region. These patients differed s ignificantly from those with less pain in terms of their level of func tional capacity and need for assistance in daily activities (ADL/IADL) . They also displayed a significantly more negative attitude towards a ging (PGC) than patients with minimal pain. Hierarchical cluster analy ses for applied coping strategies produced five groups within the subg roup of patients suffering from extreme pain. Only within one group '' depression'' was a significant reaction to health-problems. These resu lts make clear that most of the patients with extreme pain are able to cope effectively with pain.