The relationship between the symptoms of depression and the low rehabilitation rate for workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of sick leave (WHO, 2003). Recent research suggests that depressive symptoms may contribute to chronicity following an occupational injury. The aim of this study is to examine the prognostic value of depressive symptoms in explaining the poor results for rehabilitation treatments. The proposed study is the first phase in a research program whose purpose is to develop intervention approaches for increasing the probability of rehabilitating individuals suffering from depressive symptoms associated with musculoskeletal problems.
Two hundred individuals on MSD-related sick leave will be asked to participate in the research project. Recruitment will be carried out in four clinical centres that offer rehabilitation services to CSST clients. Symptoms of depression will be evaluated at the start of the treatment program. The prognostic value of depressive symptoms will be examined in relation to the subjective and objective indicators of rehabilitation.
The researchers want to verify the following hypothesis: prospectively, the stronger the symptoms of depression at the start of a rehabilitation treatment, the higher the level of pain, the lower the functional capacities, the slower the recovery, and the lower the probability of a return to work.
Identification of depressive symptoms as a prognostic factor that explains the poor results for the rehabilitation treatments could contribute to the development of interventions for reducing the risk of chronicity following a musculoskeletal injury.

Produced Under this Project

Scientific Publications

Depression augments activity-related pain in women but not in men with chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Adams H., Thibault P., Davidson N., Simmonds M., Velly A., Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
Pain Research and Management, vol. 13, no 3, 2008, p. 236-242
Psychosocial risk factors in pain-related disability - screening and effectiveness of prevention strategies
Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
in Better Choices Better Health Conference, (November 24-26, 2008 : Adelaide, Australia), 2008
Conceptual and empirical status of red, yellow and orange flags
Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
in Decade of Flags Conference, (September 19-20, 2007 : Staffordshire, U.K.), 2007
Catastrophizing and depression in chronic pain: assessment and intervention techniques in primary care and rehabilitation
Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
in Pain, Mind and Movement II Symposium, (August 13-15, 2008 : Dublin, Ireland), 2008
Psychological influence on temporal summation of activity related pain in patients with musculoskeletal pain
Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
in Pain, Mind and Movement II Symposium, (August 13-15, 2008 : Dublin, Ireland), 2008
Depression augments activity-related pain in women but not in men with chronic musculoskeletal conditions (Poster)
Adams H., Davidson N., Thibault P., Simmonds M., Velly A., Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
in Pain, Mind and Movement II Symposium, (August 13-15, 2008 : Dublin, Ireland), 2008
Determinants of activity-related temporal summation of pain in patients with whiplash injuries (Poster).
Davidson N., Adams H., Thibault P., Simmonds M., Sullivan M. J. L.
Source :
in Pain, Mind and Movement II Symposium, (August 13-15, 2008 : Dublin, Ireland), 2008
Psychological influences on repetition-induced summation of activity-related pain in patients with chronic low back pain
Sullivan M. J. L., Thibault P., Andrikonyte J., Butler H., Catchlove R., Larivière C.
Source :
Pain, vol. 141, no 1-2, 2009, p. 70-78

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Additional Information

Type: Project

Number: 0099-5870

Status: Completed

Year of completion: 2010

Research Field: Occupational Rehabilitation

Team:

Michael J.L. Sullivan (Université de Montréal)
Maureen Simmonds (Université McGill)
Ana Velly (Université McGill)

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