Are Comorbid Pain and Depressive Symptoms Associated with Rehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury?

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1310/sci16-00027 · Published: June 12, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines if individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who experience both depression and pain symptoms have different rehabilitation outcomes compared to those without these symptoms. It looks at factors like functional outcomes and the amount of therapy needed during inpatient rehabilitation. The study found that patients with both depression and pain required more physical therapy time and had longer hospital stays. This suggests that the presence of both conditions may negatively impact functional recovery after a spinal cord injury. The research highlights the potential need for increased resources and comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with SCI who also experience comorbid depression and pain, suggesting that managing these conditions together may improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Study Duration

21 Months

Participants

100 patients admitted to a specialized SCI inpatient rehabilitation unit

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients with comorbid depression and pain symptoms required significantly greater physical therapy time (PTt) than those without the comorbidity.
2
The comorbid group also spent longer in inpatient rehabilitation compared to the group without comorbidity.
3
No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding FIM® discharge scores or total occupational therapy time (OTt).

Research Summary

This retrospective study investigated the impact of comorbid pain and depressive symptoms on rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It compared outcomes between patients with and without the comorbidity. The study found that individuals with comorbid depression and pain required more physical therapy and had longer inpatient stays, suggesting a negative impact on functional recovery and increased resource needs. The research emphasizes the importance of assessing and addressing both pain and depressive symptoms in SCI rehabilitation to improve outcomes and potentially reduce healthcare burden.

Practical Implications

Increased Screening

Implement increased screening for depression and pain in individuals undergoing SCI rehabilitation.

Multidisciplinary Treatment

Develop comprehensive, holistic treatment plans that target both pain and depressive symptoms simultaneously.

Resource Allocation

Allocate additional resources, including increased physical therapy time, for patients with comorbid depression and pain to optimize functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The retrospective design limits the ability to determine causation.
2
The analysis is limited by available outcome measures documented in medical charts.
3
The study did not examine how individuals in the comorbid group may differ from those with only pain or depressive symptoms.

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