What type of pain commonly worsens due to emotional or psychological stress?

Psychogenic pain is defined as pain that is significantly influenced by emotional, psychological, or behavioral factors. This type of pain does not have a clear physical origin but is rather linked to mental health issues, stress, depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. Individuals experiencing psychogenic pain may find that their symptoms exacerbate during times of emotional upheaval or stress, reflecting the strong connection between the mind and the body.

In contrast, nociceptive pain is typically caused by physical damage to body tissues and does not inherently include the psychological components that can worsen pain perception. Neuropathic pain arises from nerve damage or dysfunction and also does not rely on emotional factors for its intensity or presence. Central pain syndrome is associated with damage to the central nervous system and can include various pain types but does not specifically encompass the emotional or psychological influences that characterize psychogenic pain.

Thus, psychogenic pain is the primary type that becomes more pronounced with increased emotional or psychological stress, underscoring the importance of mental health in pain management.