Patient Phenotyping
Psychosocial factors have been linked to the transition from acute to chronic pain among various chronic pain populations. Our previous work identified a subgroup of high risk group of chronic pain individuals whose level of dispositional factors (anxiety sensitivity and experiential avoidance) significantly correlated with impaired mood, coping, disability, and quality of life. Similar results were found among the rheumatoid arthritis population. For these high risk individuals, the use of pharmacological treatment alone may not be successful in improving clinical outcomes. Instead, a more comprehensive treatment involving psychological treatments may be important in managing the dispositional factors that interfere with recovery.
We are currently determining if these traits are also involved in interfering with recovery among those with spinal cord injury and/or brain injury. Evidence from this study will help to inform targeted mental health treatment for those at risk for long term negative outcomes. This project is in collaboration with the project lead Dr. Robert Teasell, Western University, Canada.
