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Muscle Mag fitness - Patients with accident or trauma related chronic pain often have
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. A new study has nowe linked this stress with levels of depression and chronic pain.
The Study
University of Michigan researchers examined the contribution of PTSD
to the pain experience, functional disability and frequency of
depressive symptoms. The researchers studied 241 patients that were referred to the
university hospital’s pain rehabilitation program who reported their
pain began after a traumatic injury. The subjects completed the McGill
Pain Questionnaire and were administered the Pain Disability Index and
the Post-traumatic Chronic Pain Test.
Results of the study showed PTSD and depression are significantly correlated and both disorders are
associated with perceived disability attributed to chronic pain.
Therefore, in cases of disabling accident-related chronic pain with
comorbid depression, symptoms of PTSD may be critical to understanding
both disorders.
PTSD Study Conclusions
The authors concluded that increased attention to
treating PTSD as a primary focus in the rehabilitation of patients with
chronic pain and comorbid depression is important when prior treatment
efforts for pain and depression have not been successful.
About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD)
Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that
can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which
great physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that
may trigger PTSD include accident, human or natural disasters, violent
assaults, or military combat.
People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories
of their ordeal and may feel emotionally detached, especially with people they
were once close to. Additional somatic (physical) symptoms often reported by those experiencing PTSD may also include:
- emotional
and behavioral symptoms (e.g., include nervousness, anxiety, changes in
eating habits including overeating, loss of enthusiasm or energy, and
mood changes)
- fatigue
- gastrointestinal disturbances,
- insomnia
- muscle tension
- tension headaches
There is
significant evidence that prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and
unmanageable stresses stress can cause or worsen various diseases or
conditions. These may include:
Effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder are
available. The practitioners who are most helpful
with anxiety disorders are those who have training in
cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or behavioral therapy, and who are
open to using medication if it is needed. Many people with anxiety disorders may also benefit from joining a self-help
or support group and sharing their problems and achievements with
others, as well as from stress management techniques (e.e.g, exercise, meditation, massage, etc.).
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