In 1995, Sullivan et al developed The Pain Catastrophizing Scale and researchers have found that one’s score on this scale can be useful in predicting addiction to pain medications and overuse of opioids in particular.
The following is the scale rating each item from 0 meaning not at all, 1-to a slight degree, 2-to a moderate degree, 3-to a great degree, and 4-all the time:
I worry all the time about whether the pain will end.
I feel I can’t go on.
It’s terrible and I think it’s never going to get any better.
It’s awful and I feel that it overwhelms me.
I feel I can’t stand it anymore.
I become afraid that the pain will get worse.
I keep thinking of other painful events.
I anxiously want the pain to go away.
I can’t seem to keep it out of my mind.
I keep thinking about how much it hurts.
I keep thinking about how badly I want the pain to stop.
There’s nothing I can do to reduce the intensity of the pain.
I wonder whether something serious will happen.
Again, rate your score from 0 to 4 on each item using the above directions with the highest score being 52. Research suggests that a score of 30 or higher might indicate one feels helpless as he/she magnifies the pain, thinks about it all the time, and feels helpless in doing anything about the pain. A score of 30 or higher can be related to opioid misuse. (Sullivan et al, 1995)
If you have chronic pain and perceive that there is little you can do to reduce the pain, hypnosis has been proven to help with one’s perception of pain along with the increase in feelings of control over pain. This can result in less dependence on pain medications.
My office remains closed to in person visits but I am available by email or phone. If you think I can help, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I also have a CD of healing imagery that is available for purchase ($12).