Chronic pain and depression: is social support relevant?

This study examined the relationship between social support and depression for 70 patients with chronic back pain. We also explored whether the family environments of these patients related to depression and whether the patients' depression predicted outcome subsequent to involvement in a functional restoration program. The patients completed a battery of psychological questionnaires to assess depression, social support, and family environment. Outcome of a rehabilitation program was measured in terms of physical gains, vocational gains, and progress made toward program goals. Analysis indicated that the 25 depressed and 23 nondepressed patients differed as to perceived social support and quality of family environment; however, no association was found between depression and rehabilitation outcome. Implications for family interventions are discussed.