Sex differences in pain catastrophizing and its relation to the transition from acute pain to chronic pain

Differences exist between sexes in pain and pain-related outcomes, such as development of chronic pain. Previous studies suggested a higher risk for pain chronification in female patients. Furthermore, pain catastrophizing is an important risk factor for chronification of pain. However, it is unclear whether sex differences in catastrophic thinking could explain the sex differences in pain chronification.

The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in pain catastrophizing. Additionally, we investigated pain catastrophizing as a potential mediator of sex differences in the transition of acute to chronic pain.

Adults visiting one of the 15 participating emergency departments in the Netherlands with acute pain-related complaints. Subjects had to meet inclusion criteria and complete questionnaires about their health and pain.

The outcomes in this prospective cohort study were pain catastrophizing (short form pain catastrophizing) and pain chronification at 90 days (Numeric Rating Scale ≥ 1). Data was analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Finally, stratified regression analyses were conducted to assess whether differences in pain catastrophizing accounted for observed differences in pain chronification between sexes.

In total 1,906 patients were included. Females catastrophized pain significantly more than males (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses suggested that pain catastrophizing is associated with pain chronification in both sexes.

This study reported differences between sexes in catastrophic cognitions in the development of chronic pain. This is possibly of clinical importance to identify high-risk patients and ensure an early intervention to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain.