The traumatised chronic pain patient—Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder - PTSD and pain sensitisation in two Scandinavian samples referred for pain rehabilitation

Abstract

A high prevalence of PTSD was found in both consecutive samples. Using the DSM-IV criteria, 23% fulfilled the criteria for a possible PTSD diagnosis. There were no gender differences in PTSD. The three most reported traumatic events: traffic accidents, serious illness personally or in the family, and the actual loss of someone, were reported as the primary traumatic events by almost 50% of those with PTSD. No particular pain diagnosis was significantly related to PTSD. However, hypersensitivity to cold and hyposensitivity to brush were significantly associated with PTSD. Discussion The prevalence of PTSD in the present study was 23%. Earlier studies finding a lower prevalence rate of PTSD may reflect the use of older diagnostic criteria for PTSD or other estimates, for instance PTSD symptom cut-off scores. Conclusion The study emphasised the importance of screening all chronic pain patients for PTSD at admission for pain rehabilitation, using up to date diagnostic tools. Implications Untreated PTSD may exacerbate or maintain the pain condition and negatively affect outcome of pain rehabilitation.

The Impact of PTSD on Functioning in Patients Seeking Treatment for Chronic Pain and Validation of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale

“…Consistent with our hypotheses and previous studies of people with chronic pain [9–12, 16], we found high rates of traumatic exposure (71.8%) and of PTSD (28.9%). These findings for the prevalence of PTSD are in line with those (23%) reported in another study based in Scandinavia and focused on people with chronic pain [10]. In agreement with earlier research, “other” traumatic events, serious accidents, life-threatening disease, sexual and non-sexual assault, and multiple traumas were frequently reported traumas in this study [10, 12].…”

Increased Pain Sensitivity in Accident-related Chronic Pain Patients With Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress

“…demonstrated that hypersensitivity to cold and hyposensitivity to brush stimulations were significantly correlated with PTSD severity in a sample of chronic pain patients [21]. Finally, research suggests that patients with chronic combat-related and terror-related PTSD display a unique experimental sensory profile of hyposensitivity to heat pain and hypersensitivity to pain above the pain threshold [22].…”

The Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain in People Seeking Treatment for Chronic Pain

“…Individuals with chronic pain are known to be at increased risk of psychiatric disorders, particularly those involving low mood and anxiety [1][2][3] and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [4,5]. Evidence shows that chronic pain sufferers with comorbid anxiety, depression, and PTSD present with greater levels of pain-related impairment, respond less well to pain focused treatment, and incur greater health costs [5][6][7][8][9][10][11].…”