The Relationship between Depression and Chronic Pain: A Literature Review
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Date
2024-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ms. M. B. Mondal
Abstract
Considering the relationship between depression and chronic pain as a crucial aspect of physical and mental health, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review to analyze this association. Depression, a complex psychiatric disorder, is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in daily activities. On the other hand, chronic pain is a debilitating condition that persists for at least three months, compromising the processing of painful stimuli in the central nervous system. Scientific studies have shown a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with chronic pain, as well as the presence of chronic pain in individuals with depression, suggesting a possible cause-and-effect relationship. Biopsychosocial mechanisms, including chronic stress and neuroendocrine alterations, are involved in this complex connection. This comorbidity negatively impacts patients' quality of life, requiring comprehensive therapeutic approaches that involve pharmacological treatments, psychotherapeutic interventions, physical therapy, among others. Understanding the interaction between mood disorders and chronic pain is essential to improve clinical approaches and provide greater well-being to affected individuals.
Description
Keywords
Mood disorder, health, comorbidity, relationship
Citation
Reis JT, Silva IGG, Borges ACRL, Reis APTD, Santos WADM, Benevides KAMM, Abreu SAND, Moreno T, Almeida JQ, Mangueira CDM, Vasconcelos FH, Mariano WDS, Sampaio ACM.. The Relationship between Depression and Chronic Pain: A Literature Review. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research. 2024 Aug; 36(8): 301-312