The role of catastrophizing, depression and anxiety in chronic pain: a cross-sectional pilot study

Background. The accumulated evidence underscores the possible pivotal role of psychological and/or psychiatric factors in shaping the landscape of chronic pain. Understanding and addressing these mental dimensions are paramount in advancing holistic approaches to chronic pain management and enhancing patient well-being. Materials and methods. This іs a pilot cross-sectional observational study to investigate the role of psychological and/or psychiatric factors such as depression, anxiety and catastrophizing in the structure of chronic pain. Demographic variables, pain-related data like pain disorder duration, pain intensity, diagnosis that provokes pain, number of body parts that provoke pain were collected. Comorbidities, traumatic brain injury history, traumatic events in childhood and post-traumatic stress disorder in present, physical activity, sleep disorder have also been assessed. The Visual Analog Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used as part of psychodiagnostic assessment. Results. Our findings revealed a significant association between mood disturbances/disorders such as depression, anxiety and pain catastrophizing, and their influence on the course of pain disorders. Additionally, physical inactivity was associated with higher levels of pain catastrophizing, highlighting the importance of addressing lifestyle factors in chronic pain management. Conclusions. Мood disturbances, combined with catastrophizing, may significantly impact pain disorders. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating psychological and/or psychiatric assessments and interventions into chronic pain management strategies to optimize patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being. A holistic approach that considers the interplay between mental, physiological, and lifestyle factors is essential for effective chronic pain management.