Relations Among Psychopathology, Substance Use, and Physical Pain Experiences in Methadone-Maintained Patients

OBJECTIVE: Differences in psychiatric distress and substance use (licit and illicit) were examined in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients with a variety of pain experiences. METHOD: Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were performed on data obtained from 150 patients currently enrolled in MMT. Assessments were carried out at the 3 opioid agonist treatment programs operated by the APT Foundation, New Haven, Connecticut. Participants were recruited between March 2007 and March 2008. RESULTS: In comparison to MMT patients reporting no pain in the previous week, those with chronic severe pain (CSP) (ie, pain lasting at least 6 months with moderate to severe pain intensity or significant pain interference) exhibited significantly higher (P < .01) levels of depression, anxiety, somatization, overall psychiatric distress, and personality disorder criteria but reported comparable rates of substance use. A third group, ie, non-CSP MMT patients reporting some pain in the past week, differed significantly (P < .05) from the other 2 pain groups on somatization and global psychiatric distress but reported comparable rates of substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Pain-related differences in psychiatric problems exist in MMT patients and may have implications for program planning and outreach efforts.