Understanding the Perception of Pain in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Study

ObjectiveTo describe the experience of pain among people with Parkinson's disease, including its characteristics, psychological effects, and impact on daily life.DesignQualitative descriptive study.SettingCommunity-based study using semi-structured individual interviews.ParticipantsFifteen people with Parkinson's disease (11 women) diagnosed according to the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank criteria and experiencing Parkinson's disease-related pain based on the Parkinson's Disease Pain Classification System.InterventionNot applicable.Main measuresSemi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' experiences of pain. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis based on a hybrid approach combining artificial intelligence-powered coding through ChatGPT-4 with manual triangulation.ResultsThree main themes were identified: (1) experiences and perceptions of pain, including the nature and characterization of pain and its relationship with Parkinson's disease; (2) the impact of pain on daily life; and (3) feelings associated with pain, including emotional changes related to pain and its broader psychological impact.ConclusionsPain in people with Parkinson's disease is an interconnected and context-dependent experience extending beyond its physical manifestations. The patient-centred narratives provide contextual insight into how pain interacts with motor and non-motor symptoms, daily functioning, emotional well-being, and participation, supporting individualized and comprehensive approaches to pain assessment and management.