Do implantable devices improve mood? Comparisons of chronic pain patients with or without an implantable device

Objective.  This descriptive study compares outcome measures of a computerized assessment of pain, emotional distress, and quality of life between chronic noncancer pain patients who have received an implantable device (spinal cord stimulator or intrathecal pump; N = 143) and those who have not received a device (N = 130). Methods.  Each patient marked the location of their pain on a body diagram and rated pain intensity, emotional distress, and impact of their pain on mood, sleep, and quality of life using a computerized pain assessment program. An electronic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) also was administered. Results.  No significant differences were found on the pain variables between the two groups. Patients with an implantable device gave lower ratings (less impact) on emotional distress (p < 0.05) and rated their health quality of life as better compared with control patients (p < 0.05). The patients with implantable devices also scored lower on the HADS Depression Subscale. Conclusion.  The results suggest that although patients with an implantable device seem to have more pathology and greater disability, they report less emotional distress and improved quality of life compared with patients with chronic pain without an implantable device. Future controlled trials are needed to establish the role that an implantable device plays in improving mood and quality of life.