Distress intolerance and pain catastrophizing as mediating variables in PTSD and chronic noncancer pain comorbidity

Scand J Pain. 2022 Jul 22;23(2):318-325. doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2022-0041. Print 2023 Apr 25.

Abstract

Objectives: Several studies have demonstrated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain comorbidity. However, there is a lack of research on the psychological variables that might explain their co-occurrence. We investigated the mediating role of distress intolerance and pain catastrophizing in this relationship.

Methods: A moderated mediation model was tested. The sample comprised 114 individuals with chronic noncancer pain (90 women and 24 men; mean age, of 60.04 years [SD=9.76]).

Results: Catastrophizing had a significant effect on PTSD. Distress intolerance mediated catastrophizing and PTSD, and pain intensity moderated this relationship.

Conclusions: New insights are provided into the psychological variables that may explain PTSD and chronic noncancer pain comorbidity.

Keywords: chronic noncancer pain; distress intolerance; pain catastrophizing; pain intensity; posttraumatic stress disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Catastrophization / psychology
  • Chronic Pain* / psychology
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediation Analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / psychology

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid