Pain, Depression, and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection
Author Information
Author(s): Max Mitchell, Wu Tianxia, Atlas Steven J, Edwards Robert R, Haythornthwaite Jennifer A, Bollettino Antonella F, Hipp Heather S, McKnight Colin D, Osman Inge A, Crawford Erin N, Pao Maryland, Nejim Jemiel, Kingman Albert, Aisen Daniel C, Scully Michele A, Keller Robert B, Goldman David, Belfer Inna
Primary Institution: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, USA
Hypothesis
Depression and anxiety triggered or worsened by pain are mediated by anatomical and neurochemical links that differ in part from those mediating depression and anxiety disorders that occur independent of pain.
Conclusion
Genomic analysis of longitudinal studies of pain, depression, and anxiety in patients undergoing pain-relieving surgery may help to identify molecules through which pain alters mood.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients whose pain was reduced by surgery showed improved mood.
- Polymorphisms in three candidate genes were not associated with mood changes.
- Exploratory analysis of 25 other genes provided insights into pain-mood interactions.
Takeaway
This study looks at how pain can make people feel sad or anxious, and how certain genes might play a role in that.
Methodology
DNA was collected from patients with sciatica, and their pain and mood were assessed over time to find genetic links.
Potential Biases
Patients with severe mood disorders may have refused to return questionnaires or contribute DNA.
Limitations
The sample size did not provide enough power to persuasively search through a larger number of genes.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 162 treated surgically and 118 non-surgically, with a follow-up of 10 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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