The prevalence and correlates of chronic pain and suicidality in a nationally representative sample.

The odds of lifetime and past 12-month suicidality were two to three times greater in people with chronic pain. Sixty-five percent of people who attempted suicide in the past 12 months had a history of chronic pain. Chronic pain was independently associated with lifetime suicidality after controlling for demographic, mental health and substance use disorders. Health care professionals need to be aware of the risk of suicidality in patients with chronic pain, even in the absence of mental health problems.