Tips for coping with chronic agony.

In addition to its toll on the body, unrelenting pain has a devastating effect on the emotions, typically producing a flood of anxiety, depression, and anger. As physicians become more aware of the interplay between mind and body, they are prescribing a variety of techniques to cope with the emotional side of a chronic illness, notes Roberta Olson, clinical associate professor or psychiatry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The approaches vary widely, depending on the age and condition of the patient.

"Pain is a physiological phenomenon, but it also causes strong emotional responses. A person who is in constant pain feels out of control. This leads to anxiety, depression, and anger, which in turn can worsen the physical pain."

To help regain control, patients first should learn as much as they can about their illness and how they can help with their own medical regime. "This usually involves changes in diet and lifestyle, plus learning about medications and stress control techniques," Olson indicates. Some other approaches can be helpful:

* Support groups. "Overcoming feelings of isolation, of |I'm the only person in the world who has this problem,' is very important. Another benefit of these groups is the realization that you have support and comfort to offer someone else. People who are chronically ill often lose some of their societal roles; they may be unable to work or to go to school. Becoming a member of a support group can re-establish a person's role as a contributor and improve their self-esteem."

* Relaxation/visualization. "Relaxation can help to avert pain, and we know that medications are more effective in a patient...