Somatosensory amplification, depression, anxiety and pain in statin intolerant patients

Background: Lipid management with statins is one of the mainstays of treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Statins are often discontinued by patients secondary to muscle-related complaints independent of elevations in creatine kinase. It has also been suggested that there is a link between mental health disorders and noncompliance. The associations between negative affect and somatization reported as medication-related side effects requires further clarification. One possible cause of statin discontinuation is perceived myopathy secondary to somatization.