Chronic Pain Causes Anxiety

A new study reveals something that is actually not very surprising: chronic pain can cause anxiety and depression issues. The research followed patients with chronic pain problems that were not alleviated with drug treatments, and then they were tested for the most common forms of anxiety disorders. The researchers revealed that 45% of the patients were diagnosedwith some form of anxiety, and those that suffered from the anxiety experienced more discomfort from their pain.

When it comes to chronic pain, it is important for health care providers to realize the potential for anxiety in their patients.  When almost half of chronic pain sufferers have some form of anxiety, it is necessary for doctors to be aware and to be sure to address any issues or problems that stem from anxiety and depression.  It is a harsh reality that chronic pain causes more than just painful feelings; it can have devastating effects on every area of life.  Constant worry and stress about feeling pain creates anxiety and degrades the quality of life.

As a patient, it is necessary for you to make your doctor aware of any feelings of anxiety or depression so that these problems can be addressed in full. Don’t feel embarrassed or guilty by these feelings, because it is a common occurrence, and there are ways to treat it effectively.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/chronic-pain-sufferers-likely-to-have-anxiety

This blog is written for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for actual medical treatment. Please contact the APM Augusta office to schedule an appointment if you are in need of medical care.