Comorbid pain conditions among people with GAD

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