Anxiety, history of childhood adversity, and experiencing chronic pain in adulthood: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: When considering factors that may impact chronic pain experiences in adulthood, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and anxiety should be considered. The literature on the associations between these 3 variables remains unclear.

Objective: To summarize the existing literature on the relationship between ACEs and anxiety on chronic pain experience in adults, and examine the association between ACEs and anxiety.

Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis was used to examine adults (≥18) with a reported history of ACEs, self-reported and/or diagnosed anxiety, and chronic pain. The SLR included quality appraisal according to the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

Results: The narrative summary indicated a significant association between ACEs, anxiety, and chronic pain experiences in adults. Of 52 selected studies, 79% reported a moderate-strong association. For ACE prevalence, the majority reported experiencing sexual abuse (50% [SD 16.01]), followed by physical abuse (46% [SD 20.7]). Other ACEs included emotional abuse (33% [SD 17.17]), emotional neglect (25% [SD 21.02]), and physical neglect (23% [SD 22.44]). Meta-analyses showed moderate associations between anxiety and chronic pain (r = 0.30; 95% CI = [0.14, 0.45], p < 0.01) and between ACEs and anxiety (r = 0.26; 95% CI = [0.15, 0.36], p < 0.01), and that participants who experienced ACEs are around twice as likely to present chronic pain during adulthood (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = [1.53, 2.60], p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The results of the SLR and meta-analysis indicated that ACEs and anxiety influence chronic pain experience in adults. Given the relationship between ACEs and anxiety, there would be value in exploring this as a potential mediator in future studies.

Significance: There was an unmet need to summarize the existing literature on the relationship between ACEs and anxiety on chronic pain experience in adults and the association between ACEs and anxiety. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that both ACEs and anxiety influenced chronic pain experience in adults and helped to inform the diverse literature on these potential relationships to date.