Impact of controlled-release oxycodone on efficacy beliefs and coping efforts among osteoarthritis patients with moderate to severe pain.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the impact of controlled-release oxycodone (OxyContin) on cognitive-behavioral indicators of efficacy beliefs and coping efforts in patients with osteoarthritis who experience persistent pain.


METHODS
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 104 male and female patients with osteoarthritis who experienced moderate to severe pain. Pain assessment, arthritis helplessness, and coping efforts were assessed before and after for treatment and placebo control groups.


RESULTS
Examination of differences between treatment and control groups after 2 weeks revealed significant reductions in reported pain, improvements in coping efficacy, and reductions in helplessness and passive coping in response to controlled-release oxycodone treatment compared to placebo. Changes in pain partially mediated the effects on coping in subsequent assessments.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that controlled-release oxyco- done treatment accounted for improvements in coping with pain beyond that of placebo controls. This medication may be most beneficial to osteoarthritis patients when incorporated as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
Zautra
Alex J
AJ
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA. Alex.Zautra@asu.edu
Smith
Bruce W
BW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009294:Narcotics; D010098:Oxycodone