Psychosomatic medicine
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Psychosomatic medicine · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialBlunted opiate modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activity in men and women who smoke.
To examine the extent to which nicotine dependence alters endogenous opioid regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis functions. Endogenous opiates play an important role in regulating mood, pain, and drug reward. They also regulate the HPA functions. Previous work has demonstrated an abnormal HPA response to psychological stress among dependent smokers. ⋯ We conclude that nicotine dependence is associated with attenuated opioid modulation of the HPA. This dysregulation may play a role in the previously observed blunted responses to stress among dependent smokers.
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Psychosomatic medicine · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyAssociation of depression and anxiety alone and in combination with chronic musculoskeletal pain in primary care patients.
To assess the relationship between depression and anxiety comorbidity on pain intensity, pain-related disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). ⋯ The added morbidity of depression and anxiety with chronic pain is strongly associated with more severe pain, greater disability, and poorer HRQL.