@article{ref1,
title="Change in suicidal ideation following interdisciplinary treatment of chronic pain",
journal="Clinical journal of pain",
year="2014",
author="Kowal, John and Wilson, Keith G. and Henderson, Peter R. and McWilliams, Lachlan A.",
volume="30",
number="6",
pages="463-471",
abstract="OBJECTIVES:: To examine suicidal ideation in individuals with chronic pain, especially change in suicidal thinking following interdisciplinary treatment. METHODS:: Consecutive patients (n=250) admitted to a 4-week, group-based chronic pain management program completed measures of pain intensity, functional limitations, depressive symptoms, overall distress, pain catastrophizing, self-perceived burden, and suicidal ideation at pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS:: Before treatment, 30 (12.0%) participants were classified as having a high level of suicidal ideation, 56 (22.4%) had a low level of suicidal ideation, and 164 (65.6%) reported none. Following treatment, there was a significant reduction in suicidal ideation and improvements in all other outcomes, but there were still some individuals with high (n=22, 8.8%) or low (n=28, 11.2%) levels at discharge. Patients with high suicidal ideation at baseline differed from those with no suicidal thinking on pre- and post-treatment measures of depression, distress, catastrophizing, and self-perceived burden, but not on pain intensity or functional limitations. Patients high in suicidal ideation endorsed greater pain catastrophizing and self-perceived burden than those low in suicidal thinking. Sustained suicidal ideation after treatment was associated with higher baseline levels of suicidal thinking and self-perceived burden to others, as well as a more limited overall response to treatment. DISCUSSION:: Suicidal ideation was common in individuals with chronic pain, although mostly at a low level. Interdisciplinary treatment may result in reduced suicidal thinking; however, some patients continue to express thoughts of self-harm. Future studies could examine processes of change and interventions for treatment-resistant suicidal concerns.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0749-8047",
doi="10.1097/AJP.0000000000000003",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000000003"
}