NONCARDIAC CHEST PAIN - INTEREST IN A MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT

The aim of this study was to assess to what extent patients with unexp lained chest pain (UCP) are interested in a medical psychological trea tment, and to find biographical or medical status variables predictive of that need. A total of 1053 patients with a discharge diagnosis of UCP from two cardiac outpatient clinics were approached by mail. Of th ese, 77.2% returned the questionnaire, which inquired about duration, frequency, and intensity of UCP; limitations in activities; and whethe r they would like medical psychological treatment for their UCP. Resul ts showed little spontaneous recovery, and indicated no association be tween duration of UCP and interest in treatment. Younger patients and males were more interested in treatment. Furthermore, limitations in a ctivities rather than frequency or intensity of pain was the most impo rtant predictor of interest in treatment. A three-step plan is propose d to enhance care for patients with UCP. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc .