Generalized Anxiety Disorder in People living with Chronic pain

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? 16.7% global pooled diagnosed GAD
Is it more common among people living with chronic pain? Markedly elevated
Are people living with chronic pain at higher risk? Yes
How much higher is the risk? 16.7% GAD pooled
How often can it be missed? High because arousal/sleep problems overlap pain
Does it show up differently among people living with chronic pain? Somewhat
How might it look different? Worry about pain, disability, recurrence and functioning; sleep-arousal overlap
What commonly occurs alongside it? MDD; sleep disorders; panic/anxiety disorders
What can it be confused with? Pain-related hypervigilance; medication effects; panic disorder
Common screening tool GAD-7
Separate screening tool for people living with chronic pain None
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