The Open Pain Journal

2017, 10 : 22-28
Published online 2017 June 30. DOI: 10.2174/1876386301710010022
Publisher ID: TOPAINJ-10-22

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 When Pain is Beyond Biology - A Case of Fake Leprosy

Lazslo Antonio Avila, * , Eurides Maria de Oliveira Pozetti , Gislaine Fusco Fares , Rosa Maria Cordeiro Soubhia , Marilia Capuco Oliveira and Andreia Yumi Tomiyasu

* Address correspondence to this author at the Av. Anisio Haddad, 8205, Bl. 4, apt 34, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP 15091-743, Brazil; Tel: 55-17-3232-4905; Fax: 55-17-3227-8133; E-mail: lazslo@terra.com.br

ABSTRACT

Background:

Pain is a complex phenomenon that implies pathophysiological processes and psychosocial components. A 56-year-old female patient complaining of pain and presenting with multiple mild physical signs was examined by a multidisciplinary team from the Ear-Nose-Throat, Dermatology, Hematology, General Clinics, and Psychiatry and Psychology Departments.

Objective:

To present a significant case where pain is primarily caused by psychological conflicts.

Method:

A multidisciplinary approach, with medical and psychological interventions.

Results:

The patient was deeply convinced; she had been contaminated by leprosy. Her enrooted personal beliefs, including religion and moral conflicts, seem to be the primary cause for her putative ‘disease’, a condition that was not confirmed by exhaustive exams.

Conclusion:

Pain normally is related to several factors, including biological, psychological and cultural. Some complex cases should be investigated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, in order to identify extra-physiological components.

:

Biopsychosocial, Leprosy, Multidisciplinary, Pain, Psychosocial, Psychology.