Chronic Pain May Quadruple Risk of Depression: Study Finds - Video

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that individuals suffering from chronic pain-defined as lasting three months or more-are up to four times more likely to develop depression. Chronic pain affects nearly 30% of people worldwide, and those with pain in multiple body sites face an even higher risk of depression compared to those with pain in a single area.

To reach these findings, the researchers analyzed data from 431,038 participants in the UK Biobank, following their health outcomes over 14 years. Participants reported pain in areas including the head, neck, back, hips, knees, and more. The researchers assessed the relationship between pain reports and depression diagnoses, alongside measuring inflammation levels to better understand potential underlying mechanisms.

The study also points to inflammation as a possible biological link. The team identified elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), in individuals experiencing both chronic pain and depression. This suggests that inflammation may play a key role in connecting the two conditions.

Researchers from Yale University emphasized the close link between physical and mental health. “Pain isn’t only physical,” said Dr. Dustin Scheinost, Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine. “Our study adds to the evidence that physical conditions can have mental health consequences.”

“We often think of brain health or mental health as separate from cardiac or liver health,” said Scheinost. “But all of these body systems influence each other.”

The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches in healthcare, recognizing how chronic physical conditions like pain can significantly impact mental well-being.

Reference: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/inflammation-may-be-the-link-between-chronic-pain-and-depression/