Gender Differences in Depression and Chronic Pain Conditions in a National Epidemiologic Survey

The authors explored gender differences in the prevalence of depression in four chronic pain conditions and pain severity indices in a national database. In 131,535 adults, the prevalence of depression in women (9.1%) was almost twice that of men (5%). One-third (32.8%) had a chronic pain condition (fibromyalgia, arthritis/rheumatism, back problems, and migraine headaches). The prevalence of depression in individuals with chronic pain conditions was 11.3%, versus 5.3% in those without. Women reported higher rates of chronic pain conditions and depression and higher pain severity than men. Depression and chronic pain conditions represent significant sources of disability, especially for women.