Pain as a puzzle for psychology and physiology.

Discusses questions concerning (1) pain as a sensory modality, (2) physiological indicators of pain, (3) where pain is felt, and (4) individual differences in pain. Cold pressor response and ischemic pain in the normal waking state was investigated. 3 base-line conditions in the cold pressor response were found: a vigilance condition, relaxation, and the immersion period condition. Blood pressure was found to be an accurate physiological indicator of both kinds of pain. Studies of pain reduction under hypnosis in regard to cold pressor response and ischemic pain revealed that (1) hypnotic susceptibility scales are helpful in determining whether a patient can profit from the use of hypnosis in pain reduction, and (2) further study of the physiological consequences of pain and their alteration by hypnotic analgesia are necessary. (41 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)