Mental disorder prevalence in chronic pain patients using opioid versus non ‐opioid analgesics: A registry‐linkage study

ConclusionsMental health diagnoses are common in chronic pain patients receiving analgesics, particularly among young individuals and opioid users. The combination of opioid use and high psychiatric comorbidity suggests that prescribers should attend to mental health in addition to somatic pain.SignificanceThis large-scale study with nation-wide registry data supports previous findings of high psychiatric burden in chronic pain patients. Opioid users had significantly higher prevalence of mental health diagnoses, regardless of age and gender compared to users of non-opioid analgesics. Opioid users with chronic pain therefore stand out as a particularly vulnerable group and should be followed up closely by their physician to ensure they receive sufficient care for both their mental and somatic symptoms.

Source: European Journal of Pain - May 4, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: L. C. Gjerde, S. Skurtveit, M. Handal, R. Nesv åg, T. Clausen, T. G. Lid, A. Hamina, P. C. Borchgrevink, I. Odsbu Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research