Objectives
The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and their association with different types and intensity of chronic pain. The investigation also characterized the population profile of new cases scheduled for appointments at the pain outpatient clinic, where the study was carried out.
Methods
Cross-sectional study, carried out at a chronic pain treatment outpatient-teaching clinic, between May 2012 and April 2013, with 125 patients. The following instruments were used: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Visual Numeric Scale (VNS) to assess the intensity of pain.
Results
Intense pain was reported by 64% (n = 80) of patients. With a cut-off of 8 points for HAD scale, anxiety affected 65% (N = 82) of patients, and depression affected 48% (N = 60). We found a significant correlation between higher scores of anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001) with pain intensity. The correlation between pain intensity, anxiety and depressive symptoms was positive for neuropathic pain as well as for mixed chronic pain. Sociodemographic factors associated to chronic pain intensity were income and religion for depression, and time living with pain for anxiety.
Conclusion
The present study showed high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic pain. There was also significant association of these psychiatric symptoms with some types and intensity of pain.
Pain; humor; anxiety; depression