Pain and depression in gynecology patients.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence and consequences of comorbid pain and depression in gynecology patients are understudied.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of pain, depression, and their co-occurrence among gynecology patients, and to examine how pain and depression are associated with additional comorbid mental disorders.


METHODS
Self-reported pain, depressive symptoms, other mental-disorder symptoms, functional status, interpersonal distress, and abuse were assessed in 1,647 gynecology patients by use of the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (SF-20).


RESULTS
Moderate-to-severe pain was reported by 29% of patients; depression, by 21%; with both present in 10.3%. Comorbid pain and depression was associated with anxiety, suicidal or death ideation, functional impairment, interpersonal distress, and physical or sexual abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
Innovative approaches are needed to assess and treat gynecology patients with comorbid pain and depression, given the degree of overlap between them.
Poleshuck
Ellen L
EL
University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Ellen_Poleshuck@URMC.Rochester.edu
Bair
Matthew J
MJ
Kroenke
Kurt
K
Watts
Arthur
A
Tu
Xin
X
Giles
Donna E
DE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult