Impairment of quality of life due to anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain causes functional and social disability, resulting in emotional impact. This study’s objective was to describe the main impairments of activities of daily living, anxious and depressive symptoms, and quality of life in patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with chronic pain outpatients. Analysis of clinical and sociodemographic variables, as well as activities of daily living. Assessment of pain, anxious and depressive symptoms by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, quality of life by the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire and data analysis by the SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: The study observed limitations in work, movement, leisure and home activities, quality of life below the median and worse for the physical and emotional domains. Sleep was very impaired, followed by partial difficulty with appetite and sexual activity. Although they had anxious and depressive symptoms, most participants were moderately satisfied with their treatment. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain has a very significant impact on quality of life, impairing and limiting daily activities more intensely in individuals with anxious and depressive symptoms.