Misuse of prescription opioids in chronic non-cancer pain.

Somatization disorder is a common cause of chronic non-cancer pain. The use of opioids in such conditions carries a risk of their potential abuse. Lax regulations coupled with sub-optimal medical training in India lead to the rampant use of prescription opioids. We present a case of somatization disorder along with injection pentazocine dependence in a woman, in whom use of pentazocine was initiated by a registered medical practitioner for somatoform pain management, followed by self-injection because of its easy availability in local pharmacy shops. We highlight the need for education of medical practitioners on appropriate use of pharmaceutical opioids, need for regulation of local pharmacy shops, and development of guidelines for use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain. Natl Med J India 2015;28:284–5

Successful management of difficult-to-treat irritable bowel syndrome incorporating a psychological approach.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal condition with underlying psychological factors. Its management can be challenging, sometimes necessitating a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Non-pharmacological interventions are gaining attention for the management of chronic irritable bowel syndrome. We present a difficult-to-treat case of chronic irritable bowel syndrome, which was managed successfully with psychological interventions. Natl Med J India 2015;28:188–9