CHRONIC BACK PAIN IMPAIRS DECISION MAKING
Scientific evidence supports the hypothesis that chronic pain impairs an individual`s decision-making capability.
As part of one study, investigators compared 26 healthy people with 26 patients with chronic back pain (CBP) and 12 patients with a condition called chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
CRPS is a chronic nerve disorder typically afflicting the arms or legs, which usually onsets following an injury.
The study participants were asked to perform a test researchers use to assess emotional decision-making. The test, called the Iowa Gambling Task, is a gambling card game.
Subjects with CBP performed 41% worse than did pain-free individuals. Those with CRPS performed even poorer.
The study`s authors conclude that "our evidence indicates that chronic pain is associated with a specific cognitive deficit, which may impact everyday behaviour especially in risky, emotionally laden, situations."
"Other cognitive abilities, such as attention, short-term memory, and general intelligence tested normal in the chronic pain patients."
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