a complex, and subjective sensory and emotional experience that is associated with actual or potential tissue damage
it is a signal in our nervous systems that something is wrong unpleasant feeling;
can be localized or generalized
dimensions
has two dimensions -
- Sensory Dimension:
- The sensory dimension of pain refers to the physical and physiological aspects of pain perception.
- It encompasses the intensity, location, and quality of the pain. For example, pain can be described as sharp, burning, throbbing, or aching.
- Sensory pain information is primarily processed in the brain through the somatosensory cortex, helping us identify the location and characteristics of pain.
- Emotional Dimension:
- The emotional dimension of pain involves the psychological and affective aspects of pain.
- It includes the emotional responses and feelings associated with pain, such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and suffering.
- The emotional dimension is often processed in brain regions associated with emotions, including the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.
- Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and coping mechanisms can significantly influence the emotional dimension of pain.
causes discomfort and can even cause emotional distress
flowchart
a-->a2(Acute)
a(Pain)-->a1(Chronic)
a2-->a2a(sudden</br> lasts 6 months or lesser </br> relieved when cause is treated)
masochists ?? Emotional Pain or Psychological Pain → Painkillers helps reduce these too!