Study examines back pain and depression in seniors - Senior's Health - Press of Atlantic City

Researchers at the Univ-ersity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are studying the most effective means of treating chronic low back pain and symptoms of depression - together - in those 60 or older.The ADAPT (Addressing Depression And Pain Together) study has been going on for four years. Seventy-five men and 123 women, ranging in age from 60 to 94, have taken part.About a third of seniors suffer from low back pain. Nearly 20 percent of Americans age 65 and older have clinically significant symptoms of depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.Up to 25 percent of seniors may suffer from both, said Dr. Jordan F. Karp, associate professor of psychiatry, the principal investigator."Chronic low back pain and depression make each other worse," Karp said. "Both can cause poor sleep, keep people from enjoying their usual activities, isolate them at home. Patients can enter a vicious cycle of the blues, pain, physical deconditioning and feeling hopeless."Nearly 40 percent of those who've participated in the ADAPT study so far have had back surgery that has not worked, Karp said."People who are contemplating surgery need to have their depression treated, because depression can negatively affect outco-mes," he said.About 30 percent of ADAPT participants to date have fibromyalgia, which may make it more difficult to treat depression.Doctors aren't sure what causes fibromyalgia, and there is no cure for it, but there are treatments that ease the discomfort it causes...
Source: Psychology of Pain - Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Source Type: blogs