Pain Management in Context of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) is characterised by Pain Paradox. The response for acute, self-induced pain seems to be attenuated while chronic, endogenous pain is usually intolerable. Pain management of this group of patients poses many difficulties, including discrepancies between subjective and objective pain assessment, patients’ demands for strong analgesics and impact on relationship with other professionals.

Objectives and aims

The purpose of the study was to review pain management options for persons diagnosed with EUPD and complaining of chronic pain.

Methods

MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched for all English-language articles containing the keywords “chronic pain”, “pain management”, “borderline personality disorder”, and “emotionally unstable personality disorder”.

Results

Seventeen relevant papers were identified. Suggested first step in pain management was ongoing clarification with EUPD patients that analgesics are unlikely to fully treat their pain and support of non-pharmacological approaches to pain, including cognitive-behavioural strategies. Regarding pharmacology, liberal use of non-addicting analgesics was recommended with highly conservative use of opioid analgesics. Importance of evaluation and treatment of any underlying mood and/or anxiety syndromes was stressed as well as liaison with other professionals (e.g. psychologists, neurologists, orthopaedics, and physiotherapists).

Conclusions

Patients with EUPD often report chronic pain, which can only be managed by close collaboration of professionals from different disciplines.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.