Lauren Preiss Chronic pain and Depression:A Literature Review Texas Tech University

Thesis Though previous research has suggested that chronic pain is often associated with depression, new research focuses on elements that could eventually lead to or prevent depression including patients’ thoughts, techniques of pain management, and family relationships.

Patients’ thoughts Current research regarding chronic pain focuses on the negative impact that it can have on patients’ thoughts. Chronic pain can influence patients’ thoughts and mood. – Thought and mood is affected in a negative way Chronic pain can cause negative thinking and emotions. Chronic pain is not always emotionally and mentally destructive or devastating. Despite differences, the studies find that chronic pain often has a negative impact on patient’s thoughts. Even though current researchers do not focus on the positive impact of chronic pain, all of these authors demonstrate an interest in the impact that chronic pain can have on patients’ thoughts.

Techniques of pain management Research agrees that there are techniques for chronic pain management, but is inconclusive on which technique is found to be most effective. Recent research has shown that goal setting, relaxation, and physical activity are common techniques of chronic pain management. All authors investigate techniques of chronic pain management, but since research on chronic pain is constantly evolving, there is not a conclusion on which techniques are most effective.

Family relationships Research agrees that chronic pain can lead to isolation and low self- esteem. – These emotions can have a negative impact on patients’ family relationships. Patients had anxiety about how much their pain affected other family members. Families experience many issues that are a direct result of a family member who has chronic pain. Relationships are crucial to the well-being of individuals who suffer from chronic pain All the authors agree that chronic pain can have negative emotional consequences on a patient’s family relationships.

So what? Research leans towards chronic pain having a depression-like impact on chronic pain patients’ thoughts, techniques of pain management, and relationships. Although some patients can have a positive attitude, research has found that chronic pain often has a negative impact on patients’ thoughts. Research is inconclusive on which techniques are most effective for pain management, but researchers can agree that there are many options and approaches. Patients’ relationships suffer due to the feelings of isolation and low self-esteem from chronic pain. Research has shifted by focusing more on the emotional and mental aspects of chronic pain for an individual and his or her family. Understanding negative thinking, combinations of techniques for pain treatment, and family needs will improve future research and ultimately help chronic pain patients, including preventing depression.

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