Self-regulation of chronic arthritic pain and long-term analgesic dependence in a haemophiliac.

Haemophilia is characterized by recurrent internal bleeding episodes, with repeated haemorrhages into the joint areas eventually resulting in a chronic condition similar to osteoarthritis. A 31-year-old haemophiliac, with a nine-year history of narcotic analgesic dependence secondary to chronic arthritis pain, learned self-regulation techniques consisting of progressive muscle relaxation exercises, meditative breathing, and guided imagery. Long-term follow-up evidenced clinically significant decreases in arthritic pain intensity and analgesic intake subsequent to self-regulation training.