Source
Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. anna.ehnvall@lthalland.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Approximately 50% of patients with depression report symptoms of pain, yet the clinical and biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Recent neuroimaging studies, however, support the contention that depression, as well as pain distress and rejection distress, share the same neurobiological circuits. In this study, we aimed to examine the hypothesis that perception of increased pain during depression is related to increased rejection sensitivity.
METHOD:
The present study analysed data from a study of 186 treatment-resistant depressed patients who met DSM-IV criteria for depression and had completed a self-report questionnaire regarding currently perceived pain and rejection sensitivity.
RESULTS:
A major increase in the experience of pain during depression was predicted by a major increase in rejection sensitivity during depression.
CONCLUSION:
The experience of increased pain during depression is related to increased rejection sensitivity. Research to further elucidate this relationship is required.