Negative affect and pain in arthritis.

The experience of pain in arthritis conditions has important affective dimensions. This article reviews evidence for a relatively strong association between negative affect (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) and arthritis-related pain. Possible physiologic and psychologic mechanisms of the relationship between negative affect and pain are examined, and issues relevant to future research, particularly the need for biopsychosocial theoretical models are discussed. Finally, the article highlights the importance of biopsychosocial treatment approaches in managing arthritis-related pain and negative affect.