This work may not be copied, distributed, displayed, published, reproduced, transmitted, modified, posted, sold, licensed, or used for commercial purposes. By downloading this file, you are agreeing to the publisher’s Terms & Conditions.

Original Research

Relations Among Psychopathology, Substance Use, and Physical Pain Experiences in Methadone-Maintained Patients

Declan T. Barry, PhD; Mark Beitel, PhD; Brian Garnet, BA; Dipa Joshi, BA; Andrew Rosenblum, PhD; and Richard S. Schottenfeld, MD

Published: July 14, 2009

Article Abstract

Objective: Differences in psychiatric distress and substance use (licit and illicit) were examined in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients with a variety of pain experiences.

Method: Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were performed on data obtained from 150 patients currently enrolled in MMT. Assessments were carried out at the 3 opioid agonist treatment programs operated by the APT Foundation, New Haven, Connecticut. Participants were recruited between March 2007 and March 2008.

Results: In comparison to MMT patients reporting no pain in the previous week, those with chronic severe pain (CSP) (ie, pain lasting at least 6 months with moderate to severe pain intensity or significant pain interference) exhibited significantly higher (P < .01) levels of depression, anxiety, somatization, overall psychiatric distress, and personality disorder criteria but reported comparable rates of substance use. A third group, ie, non-CSP MMT patients reporting some pain in the past week, differed significantly (P < .05) from the other 2 pain groups on somatization and global psychiatric distress but reported comparable rates of substance use.

Conclusions: Pain-related differences in psychiatric problems exist in MMT patients and may have implications for program planning and outreach efforts.

Submitted: May 9, 2008; accepted October 31, 2008.

Online ahead of print: July 14, 2009.

Corresponding author: Declan T. Barry, PhD, Yale University School of Medicine, CMHC/SAC Room 220, 34 Park St, New Haven, CT 06519-1187 ([email protected]).

Volume: 70

Quick Links: Pain , Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders

Continue Reading…

Subscribe to read the entire article

$40.00

Buy this Article as a PDF

References