The relation between psychosocial factor of inorganic chest pain and neurotic symptoms

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Compared to Europe and America neurotic chest pain patients seems to be much more prevalent in Korea. This study was designed to depict various neurotic symptoms of patients with inorganic chest pain. METHOD: In the course of one year(from March, 1997 to March, 1998), 70 subjects were selected among the people who visited the outpatient clinic of department of family medicine with symptom of chest pain. The control group was selected from a healthy population which matched nearly the same number as the chest pain group. Patients were tested by EKG, treadmill, chest X-ray, 2D-UCG and requested to answer SCL-MPD questionnaire. Statistical analysis by means of SPCC/PC+ and for significance using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was done. RESULTS: The chest pain group scored significantly higher than the control group in obsessive and compulsive, anger-hostility, depression, anxiety, and somatization scale. male chest pain group scored higher in somatization, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, hypochondriasis, and depression scale. The female chest pain group scored higher in depression scale. CONCLUSION: Many inorganic chest pain patients complain through various neurotic symptoms. When approaching chest pain patients we should consider the possibility of a psychosocial cause.