Researchers compared an eight-item depression questionnaire (PHQ-8) for people with and without chronic pain. Doctors had worried that shared symptoms, like sleep problems and tiredness, might make the test give higher scores for people with pain.
The team used data from a 2019 national health survey and found the test worked the same for both groups. The lead researcher said clinicians should not hesitate to offer mental health support to patients with chronic pain, but they should talk with care so patients feel supported.
Difficult words
- questionnaire — a set of written questions for people
- chronic pain — long term physical pain that lasts many months
- symptom — a sign or problem that shows an illnesssymptoms
- hesitate — to pause or be slow to act
- clinician — a doctor or other health care workerclinicians
- survey — a set of questions asked to many people
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever filled a health questionnaire or survey? How was it?
- Why is it important for clinicians to talk with care to patients?
- Would you accept mental health support if you had long term pain? Why or why not?
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