PTSD and Pain: Exploring the Impact of Posttraumatic Cognitions in Veterans Seeking Treatment for PTSD

ObjectivePrevious research has demonstrated a significant relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain. While several models attempt to explain this relationship, significant questions remain regarding factors that may play a role in this interaction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether posttraumatic cognitions mediate the relationship between PTSD and pain. DesignThe sample comprised 136 veterans who presented to the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System seeking evaluation and treatment in the PTSD clinic. Participants completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory, and Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, along with other assessments as part of their evaluation. ResultsThis study showed that the majority of patients (86.8%) reported some problems with pain. Further, the findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between PTSD severity and pain severity. Posttraumatic cognitions were not related to the level of pain experienced, but they were related to pain interference in this population. ConclusionsIn particular, negative cognitions regarding the self were associated with the level of pain-related interference, and partially mediated the relationship between PTSD and pain. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.