Date of Award

4-2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Chris Koch, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kathleen Gathercoal, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

E. Ray Tatyrek, Ph.D.

Abstract

Clinical depression is a frequently associated mental health disorder found in patients with chronic pain. Many of the symptoms associated with chronic pain mirror the diagnostic criteria for Major Depression. For example, chronic pain often results in social isolation, withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, sleep difficulties, loss of interest in usual activities, financial strain, and lack of energy-all of which are common symptoms of depression. The purpose of this study is to address the comorbidity between depression and chronic pain and to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program on the level of depression and perceived pain. Changes in depression and pain are observed pre- and post- treatment using the BDI-II and a self-report measure of pain, at evaluation, day of admittance, and at discharge. This present study hypothesizes depression and perceived pain will decrease by completion of the program. The archival clinical sample was comprised of 66, Caucasian, Hispanic, and African American patients who completed a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program, ranging from 18 to 20 day treatment. Results indicated significant reduction of depression and perceived pain at completion of program. Outcomes support the effectiveness of multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation, and its usefulness in reducing depression and perceived pain.

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