Is the term "pain disorder" a valid diagnosis?

Abstract

Although the feeling or sensation that we call pain is usually uncomfortable and unpleasant, it is actually a great asset in many situations in general medicine, especially when we think of children and older people. Were it not for a persistent complaint or expression of pain, family members or others might not realize that a small child or older person has suffered a significant injury or is ill. Indeed, at any age, the symptom of pain may be an important indication that a disease may be present. For young children, the sensation of pain can also be a learning experience, teaching them to take extra care with such items as hot stoves or broken glass. All those situations in which injury, disease, or something of a physical nature has caused pain are universally understood without any disagreement. We see in them a logical sequence of cause and effect. The focus of this article is on those patients who complain of pain for a long period of time but in whom no physical disease has ever been found.