Emotional burnout, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic pain undergoing rehabilitation during the war in Ukraine: A clinical-psychological study.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To evaluate emotional burnout, anxiety, and depression in men with chronic pain undergoing rehabilitation during wartime in Ukraine, with attention to age and pain duration.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

The study included 35 male military personnel aged 25-60 years, undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at the State Institution «Veteran Mental Health and Rehabilitation Center «Forest Glade» Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Kyiv, Ukraine) (January-May 2025). The mean age was 43±10 years; average pain duration was 23±17 months. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and clinical interviews. Standardized instruments included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

Results

Most participants exhibited moderate-to-high levels of emotional exhaustion (88,6%), depersonalization (80%), and reduced personal accomplishment (85,7%) (by MBI). More than 70% showed moderate-to-high levels of both state and trait anxiety (by STAI). Сlose to half of patients (48,6%) demonstrated borderline or abnormal depression patterns. Participants with pain lasting over 12 months showed significantly higher anxiety score, with 78,9% experiencing clinically relevant anxiety versus 37,5% in the short-term (3-12 months) group (p=0,018). Strong (or close to strong) correlations were identified between burnout, anxiety, and depression subscales (ρ=0,68-0,89; p<0,001 [n=35]).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

Chronic pain in wartime conditions is linked to severe psychological distress. Extended pain duration increases anxiety. The strong interplay between burnout and affective symptoms underscores the need for integrative, multidisciplinary rehabilitation tailored to psychological needs.