Chronic pain is persistent and inescapable, and can lead to maladaptive emotional states. It is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is thought that chronic pain causes changes in neural circuits, and gives rise to depression and anxiety.

Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified the neuronal circuit involved in chronic pain-induced anxiety in mice. Their research, which was recently published in Science Advances, could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic pain and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder.

"Clinicians have known for a long time that chronic pain often leads to anxiety and depression, however the brain mechanism for this was unclear," said Professor Masabumi Minami of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Hokkaido University, the corresponding author of the paper."”

My Takeaways From This Article

1. Living with chronic pain and illness can be the cause of maladaptive anxiety and mental issues for many people. The ‘inescapable’ and permanent aspect of these kinds of pains can force people to live in a period of learned helplessness in which they cannot get rid of the aversive stimuli and learn that they must simply accept and be defeated.

2. Personally I have a chronic injury on one of my wrists and learning to live with it during the early years puts into perspective how our bodies accumulate wear and tear everyday. Chronic pain and future issues are inevitable when we age since we all will age someday.

3. Researchers say that although chronic injuries and ailments can lead to a sense of hopelessness and anxiety in many, there are many ways to think about it in a more positive and affirming way. Maintaining close care with your physician, learning to accept the new normal and understanding that the pain does not define your value as a person are all ways we can achieve living a satisfying life despite our bodily limitations.

Full article is here!

What are your takeaways from your article? Have you had any experience living with chronic pain/illness, or have you lived with someone with that experience?

#ChronicPain #Depression #Anxiety