title: The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and pain: is depression a mediator?
abstract: Although recent studies suggest that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and pain may be related, the possible mediational role of depression in this relationship has not been examined. This study sought to examine this question in a sample of 130 male veterans seeking assessment or treatment for deployment-related PTSD. Results suggest that PTSD and pain are moderately related (r = .29) but that this relationship is fully mediated by depression. Our findings have important clinical implications: Treatment of PTSD and pain in veteran populations should include careful assessment and regular monitoring of depression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology-Université de Montréal and Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Canada.
authors.forename: Joaquin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Poundja
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fikretoglu
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brunet
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011792:Quebec; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*