Scoping review of risk factors, cognitive and mental health effects, and interventions for chronic pain among military veterans

Discov Ment Health. 2026 Jun 19;6(1):118. doi: 10.1007/s44192-026-00491-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain presents a significant health challenge for military veterans, with a clear association with risk factors and a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and mental health consequences. This scoping review sought to systematically synthesise studies on risk factors, cognitive and mental health effects, and interventions for chronic pain among veterans.

METHOD: Four major databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, HINARI, and JSTOR) were used for the search. Records from other search engines (Google and Google Scholar) were also included. This review followed the guidelines established by Arksey and O'Malley and PRISMA-ScR.

RESULTS: The study established various risk elements related to chronic pain, such as age, gender (with a more significant occurrence among females), injury, particular medical or illness conditions, accidents and injuries, and strenuous physical activities from military service. The list of identified consequences of cognitive and mental health includes PTSD, depression, anxiety and anxiety disorders, suicide and suicide ideations, poor attention and executive function, poor learning and memory, catastrophic pain, mood disorders, poor concentration, and poor coping mechanisms. Interventions adopted within chronic pain were effective when implemented early and included multidisciplinary teams.

CONCLUSION: To provide effective and prompt holistic care for veterans with chronic pain, multidisciplinary interventions should be employed, with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, including mental health and clinical health psychologists, at the centre of treatment. Their function shall be to evaluate pain and its implications for cognitive and mental health, ensuring that all facets of attention are covered.

PMID:42319621 | DOI:10.1007/s44192-026-00491-8