Abstract
PurposeCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy causing significant, and often disabling, pain. We aimed to establish the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients who were referred with suspected CTS and identify potential determinants.MethodsAll patients underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) and were classified into mild, moderate, severe, and no CTS groups. Volunteers, without symptoms or signs of CTS, formed the control group. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultsNinety‐one patients and 41 controls were recruited. Following NCS the patients were classified as follows: mild CTS (n = 20), moderate CTS (n = 21), severe CTS (n = 11), and no CTS (n = 31). CTS patients had significantly higher depression scores compared to controls but not anxiety scores. Patients experiencing pain and itchiness had significantly higher anxiety scores compared to those who did not. Patients who reported symptoms suggestive of CTS but did not meet the electrodiagnostic criteria for a diagnosis had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores compared to CTS patients and controls.ConclusionsPatients suffering with CTS may be at an increased risk of depression. Experiencing pain in CTS may further increase the likelihood of experiencing mental health difficulties. Poor mental health can give rise to functional symptoms, similar to those seen in CTS, demonstrating the need for electrophysiological testing before considering surgical intervention.
Highlights
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist
We investigated the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS
We found that symptoms of depression are higher in patients with moderate and severe CTS, as well as patients within the “no CTS” group
Summary
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist. It is well regarded as the most common nerve entrapment syndrome (Atroshi et al, 1999). Symptoms of CTS commonly include numbness, tingling, pain, muscle cramps, and burning sensations. These normally affect the thumb, index, middle, and lateral half of the ring finger. In advanced cases, wasting of the thenar muscles may occur (Patijn et al, 2011) Due to these symptoms, patients may be prevented from executing tasks crucial to their work, impacting on their ability to continue in em‐ ployment. The presence of chronic pain in CTS may play a large role in the mental health diffi‐ culties seen in CTS patients
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