Abstract:

Objective To investigate the correlation of neuropathic pain with depression disorder and anxiety disorder. Methods Thirty-six patients who were initially diagnosed as neuropathic pain were included (case group), and were treated with amitriptyline, opioids and nerve block in necessities. Assessment with visual analogue scale (VAS), Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) was performed before treatment and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment. Besides, 15 healthy volunteers were served as controls, and assessment with SAS and SDS was conducted. Results The duration of neuropathic pain of all patients in case group was more than 3 months. The degree of pain was positively related to the prevalences of depression disorder and anxiety disorder in case group (P<0.01), and the prevalences of depression disorder and anxiety disorder in case group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.01). Two weeks and 4 weeks after treatment in case group, the pain was effectively relieved (P<0.05), the degree of pain was also positively related to the prevalences of depression disorder and anxiety disorder (P<0.05), and the prevalences of depression disorder and anxiety disorder were also significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with neuropathic pain are usually found to experience anxiety disorder and depression disorder. With the relief of pain, anxiety disorder and depression disorder may be relieved, but can not be completely eliminated.

Key words: neuropathic pain, anxiety disorder, depression disorder, drug therapy