Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with recurrent intractable abdominal pain, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and endocrine dysfunction. Very few studies had evaluated the quality of life in CP, and even a fewer have assessed the mental status in these patients.

In the current study, we proposed to evaluate the the relationship between pain, quality of life and depression status in two large independent cohorts of patients with CP. We also proposed to evaluate the brain metabolites in the right and left anterior cingulate cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We further proposed to evaluate the pasta metabolites and look for associations with the mental state. Finally, we proposed to evaluate how CP related education of the patients could impact on their mental status and response to interventions on pain.

A. Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-60yrs
• Both genders
• Documented CP for at least 3 years
• Capable and willing to provide informed consent

B. Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute exacerbation of pancreatitis
• Pancreatic malignancy
• On anti-depressant and antipsychotic medications
• Concomitant psychiatric illness (other than depression)
• Pancreatic malignancy
• Major co-morbidities
• Pregnancy and lactation

The study population constitutes of patients with chronic pancreatic of at least 3 years duration. They are a composite with or without depression. Rationale for taking a lag time of at least 3 years was to allow development of the complications of the disease.