A new study from University College London (UCL) has found that depression symptoms in middle-aged and older adults can appear up to eight years before the onset of physical pain. Researchers suggest that early mental health support may help prevent or delay chronic pain later in life.
اضافة اعلان
Key Insights:
The study analyzed data from 3,668 individuals over the age of 50 who reported moderate to severe pain, comparing them with a control group of the same size who did not experience pain.
In those who eventually reported pain, depressive symptoms began worsening up to eight years before the onset of pain, peaked at its onset, and remained elevated afterward.
In contrast, the pain-free group showed lower and more stable depression levels over time.
Loneliness and Pain Connection:
Loneliness followed a similar trend—increasing before and after the onset of pain in the pain group, while staying low and steady in the pain-free group.
Most Common Pain Areas:
Participants commonly reported pain in the back, knee, hip, or foot.
Expert Opinion:
Lead author Dr. Michaela Blomberg noted:
“It’s well known that pain and depression are closely linked and can worsen one another, but the timing of this relationship has been unclear. Our study shows that emotional distress begins years before physical symptoms appear. Early psychological and social support could help reduce or delay later-life pain.”
Implications:
The research emphasizes the importance of screening for depression and loneliness in older adults as part of a preventative health strategy for chronic pain.
Source: Medical Xpress
