DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11566 ISSN: 0924-9338

Chronic Pain in Older Adults with Psychiatric Disorders: the DoCPPA Study Protocol

H. Saint-Martin, I. Rouch, B. Laurent, A. Edjolo, E. Pongan, M. Herrmann, C. Creac’h, K. Pérès, H. Amieva, J.-M. Dorey

Introduction

Chronic pain (CP) and psychiatric disorders (PD) are common in older adults, and they both may significantly impact patients’ functioning and quality of life. However, research on the prevalence and impact of CP in people with PD remains limited – especially in older adults – and psychiatric care often neglects somatic comorbidities.

Objectives

The main objective of the DoCPPA study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of CP in older adults with PD followed-up in psychiatric services. Our secondary objective is to estimate associations between CP and various clinical indicators related to physical, cognitive, and mental health, as well as quality of life.

Methods

Setting: Department of Aging Psychiatry of Le Vinatier Hospital Center (France, Bron), inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services.

Method/Design: Cross-sectional monocentric study with 430 older patients (65 and over) with PD, under psychiatric care. The inclusion period will be 36 months.

Measures:

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Pain: STOPNEP; CSI-A; BPI-SF; history of drug and non-drug analgesic treatment; current analgesic prescription

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Physical health: hypertension; diabetes; smoking history; hypercholesterolemia; BMI

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Mental health: ICD-10 psychiatric diagnoses and age at onset; GAD-7; CES-D; NPI; history of psychiatric hospitalizations and suicidal behaviors; current psychotropic prescription

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Cognition: MMSE; 5-word test; FAB; other neuropsychological tests

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Autonomy level and quality of life : type of housing; protective measures; human assistance; IADL; SF-12; PSQI; mini-Zarit

Results

The results are expected in 2026, once the inclusion period has ended.

Conclusions

This study aims to contribute to improving care in aging psychiatry, a field where a major challenge lies in the management of multiple chronic conditions. Perspectives at different levels :

Scientific : improve knowledge of CP in an understudied population

Clinical : improve the assessment and management of pain in this specific population

Public health : improve the coordination of care and optimise their use of the healthcare system

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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