Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Adults With Chronic Pain

Depression and anxiety are common among adults with chronic pain, but their prevalence is unclear.

To evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults with chronic pain and identify factors that moderate prevalence. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library from January 2013 to October 2023. Study Selection: Studies reporting the prevalence of depression or anxiety using a validated assessment tool among adults with chronic pain (excluding chronic headache disorders). Data Extraction and Synthesis: A total of 31 159 initial records were identified, and 5177 full texts were screened. Data were extracted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline using Covidence. Two independent reviewers completed abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction and rated risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses were applied to pool prevalence, assess moderation, and compare prevalence of depression or anxiety among samples with chronic pain vs control samples. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence of depression and anxiety based on clinically significant symptoms or diagnosis. The moderators of prevalence identified were pain condition, recruitment setting, continent, age, percentage female, and pain duration.