Understanding how emotional factors influence chronic pain in different populations

Psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain: Characterizing brain and genetic pathways and variation across understudied populations

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-10599396

This study is looking at how feelings like anxiety and depression can affect the chances of developing long-lasting pain after surgery or an injury, and it hopes to help doctors find better ways to prevent and treat chronic pain by understanding each person's emotional and genetic background.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-10599396 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between emotional factors, such as anxiety and depression, and the development of chronic pain after surgery or injury. It aims to create predictive models that can identify individuals at risk for chronic pain based on their emotional states and genetic backgrounds. By examining these factors across diverse populations, the study seeks to improve prevention and treatment strategies for chronic pain. Patients may benefit from tailored interventions that consider their unique psychosocial profiles.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have experienced surgery or injury and are at risk for developing chronic pain, particularly those with emotional distress.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of surgery or injury, or who do not experience emotional distress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for chronic pain based on individual emotional and genetic profiles.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between emotional factors and chronic pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.