Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Anxiety disorders: differential diagnosis and their relationship to chronic pain
Kevin D Jordan1, Akiko Okifuji
1Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Abstract:
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent type of mental disorder, and they frequently co-occur with various medical conditions, including chronic pain. Anxiety disorders are associated with higher health care costs, and comorbid chronic pain and anxiety disorder leads to worse outcomes. Despite their prevalence, anxiety disorders often go unrecognized in pain care facilities, compromising clinical benefit of pain treatment. Differential diagnosis among the anxiety disorders can be very difficult, and the high comorbidity with mood disorders, unexplained physical symptoms, and medical disorder makes the precise assessment complicated. Nevertheless, a better understanding of the research and theory that has accumulated can help clinicians accurately diagnose, conceptualize, and treat the patient's symptomatology. In this paper, the authors provide comprehensive review of the diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and relation to chronic pain.
Related Concept Videos
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Analgesia and Pain Management
Social Anxiety Disorder
