The Impact of Chronic Pain on Mental Health: A Call for Action
Chronic pain affects millions of adults in the United States, with approximately 51.6 million people experiencing this debilitating condition in 2021. However, a new study conducted by the University of Arizona Health Sciences has shed light on a concerning trend – adults with chronic pain are more likely to suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression, yet they are less likely to access mental health care and have their needs met during treatment.
Lead author of the study, Jennifer S. De La Rosa, PhD, emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals living with chronic pain. She noted that while the mental health movement in the US has been successful for many, those with chronic pain are often left out of the conversation. The study, titled “The unmet mental health needs of U.S. adults living with chronic pain,” was recently published in the prestigious journal PAIN.
The research team analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey, focusing on disparities in mental health treatment among individuals with chronic pain. They found that adults with chronic pain were significantly more likely to have untreated symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those without chronic pain. In fact, 43.2% of adults living with chronic pain had a mental health need, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to mental health care for this population.
Despite the clear need for mental health treatment, adults with chronic pain were 40.3% less likely to use mental health services compared to those without chronic pain. This disparity in access to care has significant implications for the well-being of individuals with chronic pain, as untreated mental health symptoms can exacerbate their physical pain and overall quality of life.
One of the key findings of the study was that when mental health treatment was utilized, adults with chronic pain were more than twice as likely to experience continuing symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those without chronic pain. This underscores the importance of providing tailored mental health care that addresses the unique needs of individuals with chronic pain.
Dr. De La Rosa highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with chronic pain in accessing effective mental health care, including issues related to care accessibility and provider training. She emphasized the need for a more integrated approach to addressing the co-occurrence of chronic pain and mental health issues in order to improve outcomes for this population.
Senior author of the study, Todd Vanderah, PhD, noted the significant gap in meeting the mental health needs of individuals with chronic pain and called for a transformation of health care for this population. By recognizing and treating the co-occurrence of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, millions of individuals affected by pain can be empowered to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction at the University of Arizona Health Sciences is dedicated to advancing research and care for individuals living with chronic pain. The center’s multidisciplinary team, including experts in pain management, policy, and community medicine, is working towards innovative solutions to improve the lives of those affected by chronic pain.
Overall, the findings of this study underscore the urgent need to address the mental health needs of individuals with chronic pain and to ensure that they have access to effective and comprehensive care. By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by this population, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective mental health system that supports the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their pain status.
