Cognitive bias research and depression in chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic back pain is of enormous health and economic relevance for industrialized countries because a small group of patients with chronic disease is responsible for a large proportion of medical costs. The prevention of chronic disease is therefore a primary goal in the treatment of patients with acute low back pain. Psychological factors are the central risk factors for later chronification. Above all, especially depressive symptoms and occupational distress, as well as various maladaptive forms of pain management are central risk factors. It remains unclear which exact cognitive mechanisms are involved in the maintenance and reinforcement of depression and pain-related disability. In this review, the current results of cognitive bias research and theoretical models are presented and summarized regarding the relationship between chronic pain and depression. Finally, the clinical implications and recommendations for clinical research will be presented.