Predictors of sexual satisfaction among patients with chronic pain.

Objectives: Sexual satisfaction is an important aspect of quality of life. Chronic pain, depression and anxiety, and relational problems correspond with higher risk for sexual difficulties. Less is known about how risk factors for sexual dysfunction and other problems-such as medical conditions, pain severity, and medication side effects-affect the sexual satisfaction of people with chronic pain.

Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation and sexual functioning: Treatment outcomes and patient preferences.

Background/objective: Sexual dysfunction is common for patients experiencing chronic pain. Prior research is limited on how treatment for chronic pain affects patients' sexual functioning. This study reports pre-/post-treatment measures of self-reported sexual functioning among individuals presenting for chronic pain treatment at an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program (IPRP) and reports patient treatment preferences.

Sexual Functioning Among Adults with Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association with Pain-Related Outcomes.

Background: Prior research indicates that sexual functioning and chronic pain commonly coexist and impact each other; however, there are limitations in current research as to the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic pain.

Method: This study used detailed measures across multiple domains of sexual functioning to describe the prevalence and correlates of self-reported sexual functioning among individuals with chronic pain presenting for treatment at a multidisciplinary pain management center (N = 247). Domains included sexual interest, satisfaction with sexual functioning, vaginal lubrication, vaginal discomfort, and erectile function.

Childhood Adversity Among Adults With Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association With Pain-related Outcomes.

Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to the development and impact of chronic pain in adulthood. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ACEs in a treatment-seeking sample of adults with chronic pain and the relationship between number and type(s) of ACEs and pain-related outcomes.

Methods: Adults (N=1794) presenting for treatment at a multidisciplinary pain management center completed self-report measures of childhood adversity, pain, functioning, emotional distress, and adjustment to pain.

Mediators of change in depressed mood following pain rehabilitation among participants with mild, moderate, or severe depressive symptoms.

Background: Prior research indicates that depression and chronic pain commonly co-exist and impact each other. Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRPs) have been shown to lead to statistically and clinically significant improvements for patients who report both depressed mood and chronic pain, however there is a gap in the literature regarding the mechanisms by which these improvements occur.

Methods: This two-site, distinct sample study (Study 1: N = 303, 10-week, individual format, ACT-based program; Study 2: N = 406, 3-week, group format, CBT-based program) evaluated mediators of treatment improvement in depressive symptoms among adult IPRP participants who reported elevated depressive symptoms at program admission and examined treatment mechanisms for depressive symptoms.