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Recurrent pain is associated with decreased selective attention in a population-based sample
C P Gijsen1, J B Dijkstra, M P J van Boxtel
1School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), European Graduate School for Neuroscience (Euron), Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Pain
|December 3, 2010
Summary
Recurrent pain negatively impacts cognitive functioning, specifically selective attention, in the general population. Individuals with specific pain complaints showed more pronounced effects on attention and distraction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on pain's cognitive effects in the general population.
- Recurrent pain is a common issue with potential cognitive implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictive value of recurrent pain on cognitive functioning.
- To investigate pain's impact on specific cognitive domains.
- To examine effects in individuals with distinct pain conditions.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study with 1400 participants.
- Cognitive assessment using Stroop interference, Letter-Digit-Substitution test (LDST), and Visual Verbal learning Task (VVLT).
- Pain measured via the COOP/WONCA pain scale, controlling for age, sex, education, and depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- Pain negatively affected Stroop interference performance, indicating issues with selective attention and increased distractibility.
- No significant impact was observed on the VVLT and LDST.
- Observed effects were generally more pronounced in groups with specific pain complaints (back, gastric, muscle, headache).
Conclusions:
- Recurrent pain negatively influences selective attention in a healthy population.
- Pain's impact on cognition, particularly attention, is significant and warrants further investigation.
- Targeted interventions for pain may benefit cognitive health.
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