Social functioning in chronic pain patients

Although investigators have explored the effects of chronic illnesses on social functioning during the course of treatment, much less is known about the impact of treatment outcome on social functioning. In this study we examine whether the outcome of treatment for chronic pain in a pain clinic exerts a significant effect on the eventual social functioning. The findings indicate that a more favorable outcome is associated with increased marital satisfaction, a heightened desire for sex, and an increased desire and ability for recreational activities. These findings have implications for family practitioners as they assess social functioning after treatment for chronic pain.