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The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Neurocognitive Function: A Systematic Review
Diana M Higgins1,2, Aaron M Martin3, Dewleen G Baker4,5
1Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Service/Research Service.
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|July 19, 2017
Summary
Chronic pain is linked to neurocognitive issues, especially in memory and attention. Further research is needed to understand moderators like mood and medication, and implications for at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population, impacting daily functioning.
- Neurocognitive deficits can co-occur with chronic pain, complicating patient care.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for effective assessment and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the relationship between chronic pain and neurocognitive functioning.
- To identify potential moderators and mediators influencing this relationship.
- To discuss clinical implications and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical studies.
- Inclusion of 53 articles examining neurocognitive performance in chronic pain samples.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports a link between chronic pain and neurocognitive abnormalities.
- Specific deficits observed in memory, attention, and processing speed.
- Executive functioning shows mixed results across studies.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pain is associated with neurocognitive impairments, particularly in memory and attention.
- Factors like mood, medication, and pain chronicity may moderate this relationship.
- Further rigorous research, especially in special populations, is warranted.
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