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The co‐occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and pain: Is depression a mediator?
Author(s) -
Poundja Joaquin,
Fikretoglu Deniz,
Brunet Alain
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20151
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , posttraumatic stress , clinical psychology , psychology , psychiatry , depressive symptoms , chronic pain , anxiety , economics , macroeconomics
Although recent studies suggest that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and pain may be related, the possible mediational role of depression in this relationship has not been examined. This study sought to examine this question in a sample of 130 male veterans seeking assessment or treatment for deployment‐related PTSD. Results suggest that PTSD and pain are moderately related ( r = .29) but that this relationship is fully mediated by depression. Our findings have important clinical implications: Treatment of PTSD and pain in veteran populations should include careful assessment and regular monitoring of depression.