Pain and Depression in Gynecology Patients

BackgroundThe prevalence and consequences of comorbid pain and depression in gynecology patients are understudied.ObjectiveThe 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.MethodSelf-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).ResultsModerate-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.DiscussionInnovative approaches are needed to assess and treat gynecology patients with comorbid pain and depression, given the degree of overlap between them.