Emotional Distress and Medication Use in Two Acute Pain Populations: Jaw and Low Back

Authors

Robert J. Gatchel
Deirdre M. Edwards
Anna W. Stowell
Laura L. Adams

Document Type

Article

Source Publication Title

Pain Practice

First Page

242

Last Page

253

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00093.x

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to compare emotional distress and functional ability between two common acute pain populations - - jaw pain (JAW; n = 135) and low back pain (LB; n=71). Patient groups were evaluated and compared on a variety of biopsychosocial measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory, Multidimensional Pain Inventory, Characteristic Pain Intensity, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Specific diagnoses were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) - I and II, and rates of Axis I and II diagnoses in these groups were further compared with base rates in the general population. Additionally, medication usage was evaluated to determine group differences. Results revealed that JAW patients had lower BDI and CPI scores, as well as a higher level of functioning on the Global Assessment of Functioning assessed by the DSM-IV. Both acute pain groups also had significantly more Axis I and II disorders than the general population. Additionally, it was found that the JAW group used more benzodiazepines, while the LB group used more Schedule II Narcotics. A logistic regression model created from these variables found a six-factor model, composed of the Characteristic Pain Intensity, MPI Coping Style Anomalous, Ways of Coping Problem-Solving, Global Assessment of Functioning, Anxiety Disorders, and Cluster C personality disorder diagnoses, that differentiated the JAW from the LB group. Overall, these findings suggest that the differences identified between these two groups should be considered in developing tailored treatments for individuals with acute low back and jaw pain.

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Publication Date

12-1-2006

Language

English

Comments

Author's final draft after peer review, also known as a post print.||The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com.

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Gatchel, Robert J.; Edwards, Deirdre M.; Stowell, Anna W.; and Adams, Laura L., "Emotional Distress and Medication Use in Two Acute Pain Populations: Jaw and Low Back" (2006). Psychology Faculty Publications. 24.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/psychology_facpubs/24