People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety, compared to those without the traumatic injury, a study shows. Researchers found that chronic pain may harm the mental health of people with a spinal cord injury. In most cases, chronic pain was a greater influence on mental health conditions than the SCI itself. 

“Stakeholders need to work together to lobby for more federal research funding and special policy amendments to ensure adequate and long-term insurance coverage for both physical and mental health to meet the needs of folks living with spinal cord injuries,” CDHW member Mark Peterson, Ph.D. said.

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This article was also featured in US News & World Report.