The European Federation of IASP Chapters “PAIN IN WOMEN” Launches its campaign on “PAIN IN WOMEN” During the European Week Against Pain in Women – October 15-21, 2007 At the start of THE GLOBAL YEAR AGAINST PAIN IN WOMEN http://www.efic.org

Pain in Women Diversities in: Epidemiology Symptom presentation Fluctuation of symptoms Sensitivity to painful stimuli Attitude towards/of medical care Response to analgesic treatment in relation to sex hormonal asset, genetic factors, psychological and socio-cultural influences

Pain in Women Pain characteristics and difficulties faced by women in pain are likely to vary greatly in different areas of Europe (socio-cultural influences / differences in the Health Care System organization). To date, little is known about the specific “picture” of women’s pain in the various European Countries Awareness of the national particularities in this area is fundamental to draw common European lines for diagnosis and treatment of women’s pain and for undertaking initiatives at an European political level to improve management of women’s suffering in Europe

Plan of Action Increase knowledge about European National diversities in diagnosis and management of pain in women Disseminate information obtained in (a) in the scientific/medical community; use this information to draw up EFIC common lines of action towards European institutions Raise general awareness of the impact of pain in women: they experience more recurrent/chronic pains, more intense and longlasting symptoms, more complex clinical pictures from concomitant painful conditions than men

Plan of Action Make it more widely known that pain in women is more difficult to assess and manage than in men. Particular skills and knowledge are required Call for more education among doctors and other healthcare providers on the management of pain in women Promote more research into mechanisms of differences in pain in women, and through this, favour more targeted therapeutic interventions No pain in women should be regarded as “normal” any longer

Aims of the Campaign To promote European National Reports about the status of pain in women in each country (activity of the national chapters)* To disseminate information about these national realities and about the importance/impact of pain in women in general to the scientific community, the public at large and decision makers across Europe (website, EFIC Newsletter, Press contacts)

Pain in Women a) * “PAIN IN WOMEN” IN EUROPE All chapters have been invited to submit reports on: * National prevalence of main pain conditions in women, based on national surveys/statistics, e.g., chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, IBS; direct and indirect costs of these conditions * Symptom diversities -women vs men - that are reflected by different rates of correct diagnosis * Differences in treatment/treatment response - women vs men * National Health Care structure / organization, e.g., distribution of specific centers/facilities for pain in women * Patient organizations for different pain conditions in women * Particular problems/difficulties encountered in individual countries, in diagnosis and management of pain in women

Aims of the Campaign To promote initiatives/events in European Countries to raise local awareness and interest in women’s pain and advertise these initiatives (website). To promote research on pain in women. A special EFIC grant, in memory of Prof. David Niv, will be launched.

Pain in Women EFIC Executive Board Serdar Erdine (President) Giustino Varrassi (President Elect) Harald Breivik (Immediate Past President) Beverly Collett (Honorary Secretary) Hans Kress (Honorary Treasurer) EWAP in Women Coordination Maria Adele Giamberardino