Correlations between pain intensity, severity of depression, state and trait anxiety in patients with chronic pain and depression

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with chronic pain and depression are a specific group in which mental (depression and anxiety) and physical (pain) symptoms manifest together. Aim : The aim of the present study is to investigate the correlations between the severity of depression, the anxiety (trait and state), and the intensity of pain in patients with chronic pain and depression. Materials and Methods : The study included 61 patients with chronic pain and depression. It was conducted in two stages with a three-month period between them. All participants received antidepressant treatment. The severity of depression was assessed with HAM-D-17, the level of state and trait anxiety—with Spielberger’s STAI, and pain intensity—with VAS. A correlation analysis between the main indicators was carried out in both stages of the study. Results : The mean age of the sample was 55.61 ± 10.91. Women comprised 91.8% of the sample and men—8.2%. A reduction of the mean values of the indicators in the second stage was reported, with the most pronounced being in the severity of depression from 16.15 ± 5.87 to 13.36 ± 6.96. The number of patients with high trait (80.33%) and high state anxiety (64%—first stage, 62.5%—second stage) was predominant. The correlation analysis at both stages of the study proved significant correlations between all indicators (p < 0.01). Conclusion : The patients with chronic pain and depression are a specific group that requires a complex clinical assessment of the associated indicators depression, anxiety, and pain intensity for their effective management.