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Self-reported pain complaints among Afghanistan/Iraq era men and women veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Runnals, JJ; Van Voorhees, E; Robbins, AT; Brancu, M; Straits-Troster, K; Beckham, JC; Calhoun, PS
Published in: Pain Med
October 2013

OBJECTIVE: Research has shown significant rates of comorbidity among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and pain in prior era veterans but less is known about these disorders in Iraq and Afghanistan war era veterans. This study seeks to extend previous work by evaluating the association among PTSD, MDD, and pain (back, muscle, and headache pain) in this cohort. METHOD: A sample of 1,614 veterans, recruited from 2005 to 2010, completed a structured clinical interview and questionnaires assessing trauma experiences, PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and pain endorsement. RESULTS: Veterans with PTSD endorsed pain-related complaints at greater rates than veterans without PTSD. The highest rate of pain complaints was observed in veterans with comorbid PTSD/MDD. Women were more likely to endorse back pain and headaches but no gender by diagnosis interactions were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the complex comorbid relationship between PTSD, MDD, and pain among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This observed association suggests that integrated, multidisciplinary treatments may be beneficial, particularly when multiple psychological and physical health comorbidities are present with pain. Further support may be indicated for ongoing education of mental health and primary care providers about these co-occurring disorders.

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Published In

Pain Med

DOI

EISSN

1526-4637

Publication Date

October 2013

Volume

14

Issue

10

Start / End Page

1529 / 1533

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Veterans
  • United States
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
  • Self Report
  • Pain
  • Male
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Depressive Disorder, Major
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Runnals, J. J., Van Voorhees, E., Robbins, A. T., Brancu, M., Straits-Troster, K., Beckham, J. C., & Calhoun, P. S. (2013). Self-reported pain complaints among Afghanistan/Iraq era men and women veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Pain Med, 14(10), 1529–1533. https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12208
Runnals, Jennifer Jane, Elizabeth Van Voorhees, Allison T. Robbins, Mira Brancu, Kristy Straits-Troster, Jean C. Beckham, and Patrick S. Calhoun. “Self-reported pain complaints among Afghanistan/Iraq era men and women veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.Pain Med 14, no. 10 (October 2013): 1529–33. https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12208.
Runnals JJ, Van Voorhees E, Robbins AT, Brancu M, Straits-Troster K, Beckham JC, et al. Self-reported pain complaints among Afghanistan/Iraq era men and women veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Pain Med. 2013 Oct;14(10):1529–33.
Runnals, Jennifer Jane, et al. “Self-reported pain complaints among Afghanistan/Iraq era men and women veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.Pain Med, vol. 14, no. 10, Oct. 2013, pp. 1529–33. Pubmed, doi:10.1111/pme.12208.
Runnals JJ, Van Voorhees E, Robbins AT, Brancu M, Straits-Troster K, Beckham JC, Calhoun PS. Self-reported pain complaints among Afghanistan/Iraq era men and women veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Pain Med. 2013 Oct;14(10):1529–1533.
Journal cover image

Published In

Pain Med

DOI

EISSN

1526-4637

Publication Date

October 2013

Volume

14

Issue

10

Start / End Page

1529 / 1533

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Veterans
  • United States
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
  • Self Report
  • Pain
  • Male
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Depressive Disorder, Major