Correlations among pain, depressive symptoms, constipation, and serotonin levels in smokers and non smokers

This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.FindingsSmokers had more pain, depressive symptoms, and constipation than non smokers. Smokers had similar serotonin levels compared with non smokers. Positive correlations were observed between constipation and serum serotonin levels (r = .19,P = .039, n = 116), between constipation and depressive symptoms (r  =  .18,P = .023, n = 164), and between constipation and pain (r = .23,P = .004, n = 164) in smokers.Practical ImplicationsHealth professionals should assess and treat patients with the knowledge that the severity of pain, depression, and constipation may be greater in smokers than in non smokers.
Source: Perspectives in Psychiatric Care - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research