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Somatization is associated with non-adherence to opioid prescriptions
Jodie A Trafton1, Michael A Cucciare, Eleanor Lewis
1Center for Health Care Evaluation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Menlo Park, California.
The Journal of Pain
|February 1, 2011
Summary
Somatization, the distress from physical symptoms, significantly impacts adherence to opioid prescriptions among Veterans. Addressing somatization in pain management may improve opioid therapy safety and effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Psychiatry
- Pain Management
Background:
- Non-adherence to opioid prescriptions compromises opioid therapy's safety and efficacy.
- Somatization, distress from physical symptoms, is linked to medication misuse and non-adherence.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for improving opioid prescribing and pain management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between somatization and non-adherence (overuse and underuse) to opioid prescriptions in a Veteran population.
- To explore how somatization influences opioid use patterns in patients with pain.
Main Methods:
- A semistructured interview was conducted with 191 Veterans who received opioid prescriptions.
- Assessments included depressive symptoms, somatization, medication side effects, and opioid pain medication usage.
- Data analysis examined the correlation between somatization levels and opioid adherence.
Main Results:
- Increased somatization correlated with higher rates of opioid underuse.
- Severe somatization was associated with increased rates of opioid overuse.
- Depression and medication side effects also correlated with decreased adherence, with somatization mediating these relationships.
Conclusions:
- Pain management strategies can be optimized by addressing patient distress related to physical symptoms (somatization) when prescribing opioids.
- Identifying and managing somatization may improve adherence and outcomes in patients on opioid therapy.
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