Title: Combat related posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic pain
Abstract: Recent research suggests that chronic combat related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain frequently co-occur and that similar mechanisms may exist for maintaining both conditions. We examined the relationship between PTSD symptoms and chronic pain in 184 Croatian war veterans with diagnosis of chronic PTSD and comorbid chronic pain. On the base of medical records, interviews and different self reported questionnaires the authors analyzed the relationships between chronic pain and chronic PTSD. Combat veterans with PTSD reported in descending order headache pain, back pain, widespread pain and limb pain. Patients with chronic PTSD had significantly higher total pain scores as well as affective and sensory pain components compared to the patients without PTSD. Anxiety and depression were highly correlated to pain. The relationship between pain severity and depression, and satisfaction with life was mediated by severity of PTSD. QoL in patients with chronic PTSD and chronic pain is significantly negatively correlated with sensory and affective component of pain as well as with total pain scores. Our findings speak about the need for multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of patients with chronic PTSD and comorbid chronic pain, which will optimize treatment and result in more cost-effective care. Recent research suggests that chronic combat related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain frequently co-occur and that similar mechanisms may exist for maintaining both conditions. We examined the relationship between PTSD symptoms and chronic pain in 184 Croatian war veterans with diagnosis of chronic PTSD and comorbid chronic pain. On the base of medical records, interviews and different self reported questionnaires the authors analyzed the relationships between chronic pain and chronic PTSD. Combat veterans with PTSD reported in descending order headache pain, back pain, widespread pain and limb pain. Patients with chronic PTSD had significantly higher total pain scores as well as affective and sensory pain components compared to the patients without PTSD. Anxiety and depression were highly correlated to pain. The relationship between pain severity and depression, and satisfaction with life was mediated by severity of PTSD. QoL in patients with chronic PTSD and chronic pain is significantly negatively correlated with sensory and affective component of pain as well as with total pain scores. Our findings speak about the need for multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of patients with chronic PTSD and comorbid chronic pain, which will optimize treatment and result in more cost-effective care.