engleski

The Management of Patients with Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbidi Chronic Pain Syndrom

A conceptual evolution has taken place during the last decade regarding the link between chronic pain and psychiatric disorders. It is now understood that these conditions share common neurochemical pathways and mechanisms. Early and accurate identification of psychiatric comorbidity would lead to more timely multi-disciplinary intervention, improved patient satisfaction, medical cost savings, and, for some, improved outcomes. Recent research suggests that chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain frequently co-occur and that similar mechanisms may exist for maintaining both conditions. Chronic pain is one of the most reported symptoms of patients with PTSD, regardless of the nature of their trauma experience. It is common for patients with chronic PTSD to present with co-occurring chronic pain problems, and vice versa. The prevalence of current PTSD in pain treatment centres ranges from approximately 10-35%. Benedikt and Kolb (1986), for example, found that 10% of a sample of veterans being treated for chronic pain also met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The presence of both PTSD and chronic pain can increase the symptom severity of either condition. Also, treatment of PTSD without managing chronic pain or vice versa can cause chronic suffering in patients and frustrations in physicians. Successful treatment of PTSD and chronic pain disorder frequently involves both medication and psychotherapy.

PTSD; chronic pain

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