Pain Intensity Ratings are Altered by Prior Exposure to an Unrelated Numeric Anchor

Numeric anchoring occurs when exposure to a numeric quantity biases a persons subsequent judgment involving other quantities. This study aimed to determine whether exposure to a random numeric anchor influences how a hypothetical patients pain is perceived. 385 participants read a vignette describing a patient with chronic pain before being randomly assigned to one of four groups. Participants in Groups 1 and 2 spun an online wheel (0-10) designed to land on a high number (8) or a low number (2), respectively. Group 3 spun a similar wheel (A-K) designed to land on a C or I. Group 4 did not spin a wheel. Participants then rated the patients pain intensity using a 0-10 numeric rating scale. This study found that numeric anchoring did influence the perception of a patients pain; however, the anchoring effect was seen only in those who believed they had been influenced by the anchor

Somatic Symptom Disorder, Conversion Disorder, and Chronic Pain: Pediatric Clinician Perspectives

Objectives: The appropriateness and relevance of somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) diagnoses are in question as they relate to pediatric chronic pain. This survey-based study on pediatric chronic pain explores how these psychiatric diagnoses are made and perceived and how treatment of patients is approached by Canadian health care professionals working in pediatric chronic pain clinics. Method: Health care professionals (N = 50) completed the survey, which contained both qualitative and quantitative items. Results: Of participants, 88% reported moderate/advanced training in pain, whereas only 26% reported moderate/advanced training in somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder. Somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder were reportedly diagnosed in approximately 17% and 5% of young people with chronic pain, respectively; however, overall, the participants were not confident or only slightly confident when diagnosing these disorders. There were no major differences in the reported interventions used to treat pain, somatic symptom disorder, or conversion disorder. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for standardized training in pain and psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment; diagnostic guidelines; and how to best provide this training to health care staff who work with young people with chronic pain