INFLUENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY ON PAIN INTENSITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN AND DEPRESSION

Abstract

Depression in chronic pain often manifests with symptoms of anxiety. Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of depression, state and trait anxiety on pain intensity in patients with chronic pain and depression. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one patients with chronic pain and depression were studied. The study was phased. Тhe second stage was carried out three months after the first. 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. The trait anxiety was studied during the first stage. Regression analysis was used to perform the purpose of the study. Results: The mean age of the sample was 55.6066±10.90608. Women comprised 91.8% of the sample, and men – 8.2%. A reduction in the mean values of the indicators in the second stage was reported. A regression analysis during the first stage showed that 60% of the variations in pain intensity were explained by the influence of the three variables (R=,616; R2=,379). Depression had the greatest impact and degree of influence on pain (t=3,372; p=,001), compared to state anxiety (t=,513; p=,015). The influence of trait anxiety was negligible (t=-,484; p=,630). The results of the analysis of the second stage were similar (R=,644, R2=,415). The influence of depression was significant (p=,011; t=2,626), compared to that of state anxiety (t=2,012; p=,049). Conclusions: Depression is the main variable influencing pain intensity. The search for symptoms of depression and their treatment is crucial for the management of chronic pain.