The role of mental health and self-efficacy in the pain experience of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

At a glance

A study on the effect of mental health and self-efficacy on pain experience in ALS

Affiliates

Helen E. Stephens1, Erik Lehman2, Divisha Raheja1, Chengwu Yang3, Susan Walsh4 & Zachary Simmons5

  1. Department of Neurology The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  2. Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  3. Department of Public Health Sciences & Office for Scholarship in Learning and Education Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  4. ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter
  5. Department of Neurology and Humanities, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Journal

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration

Summary

To assess the role of self-efficacy, or ‘mind over matter’, in mitigating pain, PALS from the National ALS Registry experiencing pain were invited to participate in an online survey comprised of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale. Results indicated that anxiety and depression are common in PALS experiencing pain and self-efficacy appears to mitigate pain. A multifactorial approach to pain management should be considered in these patients, addressing mental health and self-efficacy to augment pharmacologic pain treatments.

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Content Source:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry