Chronic pain in refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review on patients' characteristics and specific interventions

Objective: Chronic pain in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequent symptom and a complicating factor in the treatment of patients. The study' purpose is to systematically review the scientific literature on patients' characteristics and the effects of specific inte...

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Main Authors: Rometsch, Caroline (Author) , Windthorst, P. (Author) , Denkinger, J. (Author) , Ziser, K. (Author) , Nikendei, Christoph (Author) , Kindermann, David (Author) , Ringwald, J. (Author) , Renner, V. (Author) , Zipfel, S. (Author) , Junne, F. (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 2019
In: Journal of psychosomatic research
Year: 2019, Volume: 118, Pages: 83-97
ISSN:1879-1360
DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.07.014
Online Access:Verlag, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.07.014
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Author Notes:Rometsch-Ogioun El Sount C., Windthorst P., Denkinger J., Ziser K., Nikendei C., Kindermann D., Ringwald J., Renner V., Zipfel S., Junne F.
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Summary:Objective: Chronic pain in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequent symptom and a complicating factor in the treatment of patients. The study' purpose is to systematically review the scientific literature on patients' characteristics and the effects of specific interventions implemented for the treatment of chronic pain in traumatized refugees. Method: A systematic search of the current literature was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science, from 1996 to 2017. A structured screening process in accordance with the PRISMA-statement was used with eligibility criteria based on the modified PICOS-criteria including refugees with chronic pain and diagnosed PTSD to investigate sample size, gender, country of origin, residential status, pain locations, predictors and correlations and type and efficacy of specific interventions. Results: The initial search resulted in a total of 2169 references, leading to 15 included studies. Most frequently, patients reported headaches, backaches, and pain in the arms and legs. Pain symptoms were associated with higher age, female gender, general living difficulties and PTSD symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) with biofeedback, manualized trauma psychotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Emotional Freedom Techniques were evaluated as specific interventions, resulting in positive outcomes for both pain severity and PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: To date, the existing literature shows scarce evidence evaluating specific interventions that address the needs of traumatized refugees with chronic pain. However, the current reported evidence allows for a preliminary evaluation of the characterizations of patient dimensions as well as promising results found in intervention studies.
Item Description:Available online 30 July 2018
Gesehen am 04.04.2019
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1879-1360
DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.07.014