Даследаванне звязвае запаленне з хранічным болем і рызыкай дэпрэсіі

Chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for over three months, is closely linked to depression. Research indicates that individuals suffering from chronic pain may be up to four times more likely to develop depression compared to those without such pain. Approximately 30% of the global population experiences chronic pain conditions, such as low back pain and migraines, with one-third of these patients reporting multiple pain sites.

A recent study published in Science Advances highlights the role of inflammation in this connection. Researchers found that the likelihood of experiencing depression increases with the number of pain locations in the body. Inflammatory markers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP), were identified as significant factors in explaining the relationship between chronic pain and depression, suggesting that systemic inflammation may drive these conditions.

Dustin Scheinost, PhD, an associate professor at Yale School of Medicine and the study’s principal investigator, stated, “Pain isn’t only physical. Our study adds to the evidence that physical conditions can have mental health consequences.”

The research team utilized data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive health study involving over 400,000 participants. They analyzed reports of pain interference with daily activities, duration, and locations of pain, as well as depression diagnoses. The findings showed that both chronic and acute pain were associated with depression, but chronic pain had a stronger correlation. Notably, individuals with chronic pain affecting multiple areas of the body faced a higher risk of depression.

Additionally, blood samples from participants revealed various inflammatory markers that correlated with pain and depression. CRP emerged as the most significant indicator. According to Rongtao Jiang, PhD, the study’s first author, this provides preliminary evidence of the inflammatory mechanisms linking pain to depression.

This research emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Scheinost noted, “We often think of brain health as separate from other health aspects, but these systems influence one another.” Further investigations will focus on how these findings apply to diverse ethnic groups and explore the relationship between chronic pain and opioid use disorder.

By understanding the inflammation-depression link, healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies for treatment and intervention, potentially improving outcomes for individuals suffering from both chronic pain and depression.