Book excerpt: Provides a repository of epidemiological information on chronic pain syndromes, reviews the problems and pitfalls in epidemiological studies of pain, and identifies high-priority areas for future research. Draws on systematic literature reviews using computer searches, and on a ranking of the studies according to such criteria as well-defined purpose, definition of the pain, appropriate study design, adequate sample size, appropriate analysis, and valid interpretation of the findings. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.