Fear of movement and acceptance of pain in association with depression in persons with chronic widespread pain

Abstract

Background: In persons with chronic widespread pain, symptoms of depression are common; consequently, their quality of life can decrease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fear of movement, pain willingness and activity engagement in relation with depression. Methods: The study included 215 participants who were examined at the outpatient clinic for persons with chronic non-malignant pain at the University Rehabilitation Institute between October 2016 and April 2018. All of them completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). Results: Multivariate analysis of variance showed differences between depressed and nondepressed persons with chronic pain in the fear of movement, pain willingness and activity engagement. Compared to the nondepressed, depressed persons had a higher fear of movement and lower pain willingness and activity engagement. Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of depression in persons with chronic pain and its influence on various aspects of their life, appropriate treatment of mood disorders is essential.