Chronic Pain and PTSD: Evolving Views on Their Comorbidity

Abstract

Purpose: This paper presents a literature review of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its link to chronic pain.

Design and methods: Twenty-four papers are reviewed (included research and reviews), with the goal of improving and updating our understanding on this issue and its theoretical and clinical repercussions.

Findings: The tight interdependence of symptoms that can be observed in both PTSD and chronic pain syndromes lends support to the idea that these disorders both constitute a reactive disorder.

Practice implications: Various forms of therapy and treatment focus on PTSD, but chronic pain symptoms must also be assessed.

Keywords: Chronic pain; PTSD; clinical practice; comorbidity; review.