Chronic pain in the time of COVID-19: Stress aftermath and central sensitization.
Br J Health Psychol
; 26(2): 544-552, 2021 05.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-889709
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
The COVID-19 crisis is a significant stressor worldwide. The physical and emotional condition of individuals with pain sensitization syndromes who are experiencing the pandemic may worsen. This study investigated the contribution of life changes due to the coronavirus to emotional distress in individuals with a diagnosis of chronic central sensitization pain and tested whether the associations between level of pain and sensitization were independent of or mediated by emotional distress.METHODS:
Spanish individuals with chronic pain (N = 362) completed an online survey on direct or indirect exposure to the consequences of COVID-19, pain intensity, and emotional distress. They also completed central sensitization questionnaires.RESULTS:
An association was found between changes in daily routines and pain intensity, emotional distress, and sensitization scores. Correlations were found between emotional distress, sensitization, and pain intensity. Significant predictors of emotional distress were age, difficulty in receiving medical care, changes in daily routines, and diminished social support. Emotional distress did not mediate the association between sensitization and pain intensity.CONCLUSION:
Due to the COVID-19 situation, individuals with central sensitization pain syndromes may be at higher risk of developing psychological distress. Interdisciplinary interventions involving psychologists are urgently needed to provide this population with appropriate health care.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Chronic Pain
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Br J Health Psychol
Journal subject:
Psychology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Bjhp.12483
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