Pain can be a symptom of anxiety, and in some cases it can be an initial indicator of an anxiety disorder.1 Among people with chronic pain, symptoms of anxiety are often common.1,2
In one analysis of the CCHS-MH dataset, anxiety and chronic pain conditions were commonly comorbid:2
- Among people with chronic pain conditions, the prevalence of GAD ranged from 4.4 to 6.9%
- Among people with GAD, 61.8% also had a chronic pain condition
The comorbidity of anxiety and chronic pain can complicate treatment. Patients may have a lower tolerance for pain and may be sensitive to, and fearful of, medication side effects1.
CCHS-MH=Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health; GAD=generalized anxiety disorder
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