Breaking Barriers: Artificial Intelligence Interpreting the Interplay between Mental Illness and Pain as Defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain

Abstract

Low back pain is one of the main causes of motor disabilities and psychological stress, with the painful process encompassing sensory and affective components. Noxious stimuli originate on the periphery; however, the stimuli are recombined in the brain and therefore processed differently due to the emotional environment. To better understand this process, our objective was to develop a mathematical representation of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) model of pain, covering the multidimensional representation of this phenomenon. Data from the Oswestry disability index; the short form of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale; and pain catastrophizing daily questionnaires were collected through online completion, available from 8 June 2022, to 8 April 2023 (1021 cases). Using the information collected, an artificial neural network structure was trained (based on anomaly detection methods) to identify the patterns that emerge from the relationship between the variables. The developed model proved to be robust and able to show the patterns and the relationship between the variables, and it allowed for differentiating the groups with altered patterns in the context of low back pain. The distinct groups all behave according to the main finding that psychological and pain events are directly associated. We conclude that our proposal is effective as it is able to test and confirm the definition of the IASP for the study of pain. Here we show that the fiscal and mental dimensions of pain are directly associated, meaning that mental illness can be an enhancer of pain episodes and functionality.

Artificial Intelligence in Geriatric Rehabilitation

“…It is essential to recognize that chronic pain is not merely a physical discomfort; it also has far-reaching psychological and emotional implications. 4 The experience of persistent pain can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and a diminished sense of well-being. 5 AI holds immense potential in improving pain management for geriatric rehabilitation patients.…”

“…Chronic pain in the geriatric population can manifest in various forms, including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and pain arising from chronic illnesses. It is essential to recognize that chronic pain is not merely a physical discomfort; it also has far-reaching psychological and emotional implications 4. The experience of persistent pain can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and a diminished sense of well-being 5…”

Incorporation of “Artificial Intelligence” for Objective Pain Assessment: A Comprehensive Review

“…AI/ML algorithms can analyze these data and provide real-time and personalized pain assessment tools. They also showed a direct relationship between pain and mental illness, these results may help to improve the understanding of mental illness as a possible enhancer of pain episodes and functionality [ 79 ]. For example, they can suggest modifications or adjustments to seating positions.…”

“…For example, they can suggest modifications or adjustments to seating positions. Such devices demonstrated efficacy in some patients with fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal pain, such as low back pain [ 3 , 79 ].…”

Emerging Translational Research in Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases: From In Vitro to In Vivo Models

“…Pain and mental illnesses are inextricably linked, and their comorbidities have been extensively investigated [39][40][41]. Neurogenic inflammation and neuropeptides have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including primary headache disorders and peripheral neuropathy [42].…”