Pain coping strategies in patients referred for evaluation of angina pectoris

Purpose. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of pain coping strategies to functional status, pain, psychological distress, and depression in 72 chronic angina patients referred for diagnostic coronary angiography. Methods. Each subject completed the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), the Duke Activity Status Inventory (DASI), chest pain ratings, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL), and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Results. Women reported lower functional status and greater frequency of pain interfering with activity. Regression analyses revealed that after controlling for demographic variables (age and gender) and disease status (coronary artery occlusion), catastrophizing (i.e., assuming the worst possible outcome when experiencing pain) was associated with decreased functional status, increased psychological distress, depression, and avoidance of activity for fear of pain. Reinterpreting pain sensations was associated with decreased depression. Conclusions. These findings suggest that pain coping may be an important aspect of adjustment in angina patients.

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