Performance on selected visual and auditory subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale–Fourth Edition during laboratory-induced pain

Abstract

Although chronic pain patients commonly report problems with concentration and memory, recent research indicates that induced pain alone causes little or no impairment on several Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS–IV) subtests, suggesting that cognitive complaints in chronic pain may be attributable to factors other than pain. The current studies examined potential effects of induced pain on Wechsler Memory Scale–Fourth Edition (WMS–IV) visual working memory index (VWM) subtests (Experiment 1, n = 32) and on the immediate portions of WMS–IV auditory memory (IAM) subtests (Experiment 2, n = 55). In both studies, participants were administered one of two subtests (Symbol Span or Spatial Addition for Experiment 1; Logical Memory or Verbal Paired Associates for Experiment 2) normally and were then administered the alternate subtest while experiencing either cold pressor pain induction or a nonpainful control condition. Results indicate that induced pain in nonclinical volunteers did not impair performance on either VWM or IAM performance, suggesting that pain alone does not account for complaints or deficits in these domains in chronic pain patients. Nonpainful variables such as sleep deprivation or emotional disturbance may be responsible for reported cognitive complaints in chronic pain patients.

Keywords:

• Cold pressor task
• Pain induction
• Memory
• Impairment
• Chronic pain

The following undergraduate research assistants provided invaluable help in conducting these studies, and their assistance is gratefully acknowledged: Tracy Brand, Bonnie Hummer, Caitlin O’Shea, John Segovia, and Sarah Thomlinson.

Notes

¹ While the Wechsler Memory Scale–Third Edition (WMS–III) included a formal immediate auditory memory index based on these two subtests, this index has been dropped from the WMS–IV. However, conceptually these two subtests continue to comprise part of the WMS–IV auditory memory index and reflect the portions that can be administered in the brief time span that is permissible for studies involving induced pain. Accordingly, the term “immediate auditory memory” is used as a generic term and not as a formal WMS measure.