BACKGROUND: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase reductase inhibitors 
(statins) are generally well tolerated, with statin-associated muscle symptoms 
(SAMS) the most common side effect (~10%) seen in statin users. However, studies 
and clinical observations indicate that many of the self-reported SAMS appear to 
be nonspecific (ie, potentially not attributable to statins).
OBJECTIVE: Mental health and well-being influence self-perception of pain, so we 
sought to assess the effect of baseline well-being and depression on the 
development of muscle pain with 6 months of atorvastatin 80 mg/d (ATORVA) or 
placebo in healthy, statin-naive adults.
METHODS: The Psychological General Well-being Index (n = 83) and Beck Depression 
Inventory (n = 55) questionnaires were administered at baseline in participants 
(aged 59.5 ± 1.2 years) from the effect of Statins on Skeletal Muscle Function 
and Performance (STOMP) trial (NCT00609063). Muscle pain (Short-Form McGill Pain 
Questionnaire [SF-MPQ]), pain that interferes with daily life (Brief Pain 
Inventory [BPI]), and pain severity (BPI) were then measured before, throughout, 
and after treatment.
RESULTS: At baseline, there were no differences in well-being (Psychological 
General Well-being Index), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), or pain 
measures (SF-MPQ and BPI) (P values ≥ .05) between the placebo and ATORVA 
groups. Baseline well-being correlated negatively with baseline BPI pain 
severity (r = -0.290, P = .008). Baseline depression correlated with baseline 
pain (SF-MPQ; r = 0.314, P = .020). Baseline well-being and depression did not 
predict the change in pain severity or interference after 6 months among the 
total sample or between groups (P values ≥ .05).
CONCLUSION: Baseline well-being and depression were not significant predictors 
of pain after 6 months of ATORVA (P values ≥ .05). Thus, they do not appear to 
increase the risk of SAMS in otherwise healthy adults.