A Review of “Overactivity” in Patients with Chronic Pain

Abstract

Some patients with chronic pain repeatedly exacerbate it by continuously persisting in performing certain activities. This activity pattern is called “overactivity.” We reviewed the history of overactivity, its definition, its assessment methods, the association between overactivity and pain-related outcomes, and the interventions for overactivity. Furthermore, we discussed the limitations of the theoretical models of overactivity and focused on the personalities that are common in overactivity. In addition, we introduced the concept of perfectionism, which is associated with overactivity, to provide directions for future clinical practice and research. Intervention for perfectionism may be effective for patients with chronic pain who are habitually overactive.