Open AccessSelf‐Reported Pain Complaints among A fghanistan/ I raq Era Men and Women Veterans with Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
Author(s) -
Runnals Jennifer Jane,
Van Voorhees Elizabeth,
Robbins Allison T.,
Brancu Mira,
StraitsTroster Kristy,
Beckham Jean C.,
Calhoun Patrick S.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/pme.12208
Subject(s) - comorbidity , psychiatry , major depressive disorder , medicine , headaches , posttraumatic stress , chronic pain , pain disorder , depression (economics) , clinical psychology , mood , economics , macroeconomics
Objective Research has shown significant rates of comorbidity among posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ), major depressive disorder ( MDD ), and pain in prior era veterans but less is known about these disorders in I raq and A fghanistan war era veterans. This study seeks to extend previous work by evaluating the association among PTSD , MDD , and pain (back, muscle, and headache pain) in this cohort. Method A sample of 1,614 veterans, recruited from 2005 to 2010, completed a structured clinical interview and questionnaires assessing trauma experiences, PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and pain endorsement. Results Veterans with PTSD endorsed pain‐related complaints at greater rates than veterans without PTSD . The highest rate of pain complaints was observed in veterans with comorbid PTSD / MDD . Women were more likely to endorse back pain and headaches but no gender by diagnosis interactions were significant. Conclusions Findings highlight the complex comorbid relationship between PTSD , MDD , and pain among I raq and A fghanistan veterans. This observed association suggests that integrated, multidisciplinary treatments may be beneficial, particularly when multiple psychological and physical health comorbidities are present with pain. Further support may be indicated for ongoing education of mental health and primary care providers about these co‐occurring disorders.