M Mindach1. 1. Klinik für Neurologie, Klinikum Frankfurt (Oder). Mindach@t-online.de
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In some recent German textbooks of pain management there is maintained that psychological dependence to opioids in pain patients is not a real problem. The evidence for this statement is reviewed. METHODS: Reading of the cited literature and additional MEDLINE search. RESULTS: Not a single convincing clinical study could be found in the references to proof the claimed absence of addiction in pain patients. The central topics of some papers cited had not been taken into account, other papers have been cited distorting their meaning or overemphasizing their true importance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the assertion of the contrary, the maintenance of no addiction in pain patients, especially in noncancer pain, seems to be not yet proven.
INTRODUCTION: In some recent German textbooks of pain management there is maintained that psychological dependence to opioids in painpatients is not a real problem. The evidence for this statement is reviewed. METHODS: Reading of the cited literature and additional MEDLINE search. RESULTS: Not a single convincing clinical study could be found in the references to proof the claimed absence of addiction in painpatients. The central topics of some papers cited had not been taken into account, other papers have been cited distorting their meaning or overemphasizing their true importance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the assertion of the contrary, the maintenance of no addiction in painpatients, especially in noncancer pain, seems to be not yet proven.