Sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and functional impairment among older adults with serious mental illness reporting moderate-to-severe pain.

The presence of moderate-to-severe pain in older adults with serious mental illness is associated with pain-attributable impairment of activities and social problems above and beyond the substantial functional limitations routinely experienced by this high-risk, high-need group. Given the high rates of preexisting conditions and persistent social impairment among these older adults, our findings suggest that pain may contribute to worse overall functional outcomes. Future research and clinical interventions focused on improving outcomes should include an evaluation of pain as a contributor to decreased functioning and assess the need for early intervention, nonpharmacological pain management, or other health promotion services in psychiatric rehabilitation. (PsycINFO Database Record