Psychological defensive profile of sciatica patients with neuropathic pain and its relationship to quality of life

Aim To identify differences between defense styles and mechanisms in sciatica patients with or without neuropathic pain and their relationship to quality of life. Study design The study included 37 sciatica patients with neuropathic pain (SNP), 36 sciatica patients without neuropathic pain and 38 healthy subjects. Pain severity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Psychological condition was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Defense mechanisms were assessed using a 40-item Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and quality of life was assessed using Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results BDI and BAI scores were significantly higher in the SNP group (p