Symptoms of prolonged grief in chronic pain patients: Results of a cross-sectional study

Chronic pain and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) share emotional, cognitive, and motivational components related to significant loss. This cross-sectional study examines whether individuals with chronic pain present symptoms of PGD and whether time since diagnosis plays a role in psychological deterioration. Thirty patients with chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) and thirty healthy controls were recruited. The Inventory of Complicated Grief-Revised, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the 5-level EQ-5D version were used. The results indicate clinically significant psychological distress and reduced quality of life in CPLBP patients. Furthermore, their psychological profile showed similarities with symptoms of prolonged grief. While time since diagnosis appeared to be linked to greater psychological distress, its effect diminished when considering pain intensity. These findings suggest that grief-related responses may contribute to chronic pain and highlight the need for interventions that address both emotional and physical impact.