Chris Vi, PhD Candidate (Medicine), B.H&MedSci(Hons), B.BioMedSci
Deeya Mahadooa, MSc Mental Health Psychology, BA(Hons) Psychology
How they can affect each other
The overlap between physical (pain) and mental health is complex, with changes to our brain/central nervous system (CNS) being one of the most reported reasons for this intricate relationship (Doan et al., 2015; Sheng et al., 2017). Separating health leads to inequalities and barriers to providing the best possible health care to patients as one aspect is often overlooked (Glew & Chapman, 2016).
Individuals suffering from physical ailments such as chronic pain become vulnerable or more susceptible to pain-induced depression and other mental health issues, potentially due to being in a constant state of stress (Sheng et al., 2017). While chronic pain is a major risk factor for mental health issues, stress, anxiety, and depression can also increase the severity and duration of pain symptoms, adversely impacting treatment outcomes (Doan et al., 2015).
Our emotional state also has a huge influence on pain and perceptions of pain, positive mood decreases pain whilst negative emotional states increase pain (Bushnell et al., 2013).
Neuroscience findings:
Serotonergic and noradrenergic pathways originate from the same neurons as the central pathway. A dysfunction to these can result in psychological and somatic symptoms of depression and physical painful symptoms (Stahl & Briley, 2004).
There are significant overlaps between changes in pain and psychological neuroplasticity (brain and nervous system’s ability to make changes as a response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli) (Sheng et al., 2017).
Study review
Lee et al., (2018) explored the prevalence of unrecognised depression in people with chronic pain, but with no previous history of mental health problems. In this study, the Becks Depression Inventory (BDI), a validated measurement in assessing depression was used.
A sample of 94 participants with chronic pain (ranging from headaches, lower back pain, cervical pain, myofascial pain syndrome and more)
35.1% (33) of those met the criteria for diagnosis of depression – despite not having any previous mental health problems
This shows that pain increases the risk of mental health concerns which can remain undiagnosed or unrecognised, even in cases whereby individuals have no previous mental health history.
This relationship is not inevitable:
- Pain can be helped
- Pain can inhibit the recovery process
- You do not need a diagnosis to feel a certain way
- It will not always ‘get better’ by itself, or may come back
- Identifying and addressing all potential contributing factors to physical or mental ailments can improve overall quality of life
Seeking helping should be the norm. So, let us help you!
Subject to copyright, Rehab Plus 2020
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