Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between pain and mood and anxiety disorders, as well as psychological symptoms, in a population-based sample of women.
Methods: This study examined the data collected from 1067 women aged 20-93years (median 51years) participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Mood and anxiety disorders were diagnosed using a clinical interview (SCID-I/NP) and psychological symptomatology was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire. Pain was determined using a Visual Analogue Scale (0-100mm) and deemed present if score≥40mm.
Results: Current mood disorders were associated with an increased likelihood of overall (OR=3.2, 95% CI 2.0-5.1), headache (OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.8), back (OR=4.0, 95% CI 2.5-6.5) and shoulder pain (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2). In those with current mood disorders, the pain interfered with daily activities (OR=3.2, 95% CI 1.9-5.5) and was present most of their time awake (OR=2.5, 95% CI 1.5-4.1). This pattern was similarly observed for those with past mood disorders. Current anxiety disorders were associated with an increased likelihood for overall (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.6), headache (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.3-4.0), back (OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0) and shoulder pain (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.5, p=.05). In those with current anxiety disorders, the pain interfered with daily activities (OR=2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.1) and was present most of their time awake (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.2). There was no association between pain and past anxiety. Psychological symptomatology was associated with pain at each site (all p<.001).
Conclusions: This study is consistent with studies utilising clinical samples in reporting that mood and anxiety disorders, as well as psychological symptoms, are associated with higher levels of perceived pain.
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