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Claustrophobia: A Proxy For Psychological Distress in Patients With Back Pain
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 07/31/2012
Kerr HL et al. – Claustrophobic patients with back pain showed higher levels of depression than nonclaustrophobic patients, with a higher rate of psychological distress. Disability, however, was not higher. The majority of claustrophobic patients did not require surgical intervention. The reasons for this are unclear and require further investigation. Claustrophobia requiring sedation for MRI scans may be a proxy for psychological distress in these patients and psychometric testing is advised during assessment to help with surgical decision making.