Diagnostic Features
The essential feature of Pain Disorder is pain that is the predominant focus of the clinical presentation and is of sufficient severity to warrant clinical attention (Criterion A). The pain causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (Criterion B). Psychological factors are judged to play a significant role in the onset, severity, exacerbation, or maintenance of the pain (Criterion C). The pain is not intentionally produced or feigned as in Factitious Disorder or Malingering (Criterion D).
Pain Disorder is not diagnosed if the pain is better accounted for by a Mood, Anxiety, or Psychotic Disorder, or if the pain presentation meets criteria for Dyspareunia (Criterion E). Examples of impairment resulting from the pain include inability to work or attend school, frequent use of the health care system, the pain becoming a major focus of the individual’s life, substantial use of medications, and relational problems such as marital discord and disruption of the family’s normal lifestyle. The psychological factors involved may consist of another Axis I or Axis II disorder (which would also be diagnosed) or may be of a nature that does not reach the threshold for such a disorder (e.g., reactions to psychosocial stressors).