Pain, sensory function, and neurogenic inflammatory response in young women with low mood

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship of mood status to pain complaints, sensory function, neurogenic inflammatory response, and general health in young women.MethodsNinety-three women aged 18–29 participated in the study and were categorized by SCL-90-R depression score into low-mood (n=21) and normal-mood (n=72) groups. All subjects were below the threshold for possible clinical depression.ResultsLow mood was associated with decreased tactile sensitivity, reduced response to topical capsaicin, and increased complaints of back, joint, muscle, and visceral pain, but not headache, when compared to normal mood controls. Low mood was also associated with reported poorer health and physical functioning, increased psychopathology, and family history of mood problems.ConclusionThese data show that even subclinical low mood is associated with marked alterations in health and psychophysiological function.