Pain and depression: Is there a link?

Is there a link between pain and depression? Can depression cause physical pain?

- Kiran / India

Answer

Pain and depression are closely related. Sometimes, depression causes unexplained physical symptoms — such as back pain or headaches. In other cases, depression may increase your response to pain, or at least increase the suffering associated with pain. Conversely, chronic pain is stressful and depressing in itself. Sometimes pain and depression create a vicious cycle.

Some research shows that pain and depression share common pathways in the emotional (limbic) region of the brain. In fact, the same chemical messengers control pain and mood. In addition, both chronic pain and depression are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

In some cases, antidepressants can reduce the perception of pain — as well as improve sleep and overall quality of life. Other types of mental health therapy can be helpful as well. Often, treatment involves both medical and mental health providers.

RELATED

• Nervous breakdown: What does it mean?
• Atypical depression: What is it?
• Depression (major depression)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Symptom Checker
• Dysthymia (dysthymic disorder)
• Male depression: Understanding the issues
• Depression self-assessment
• Depression diagnosis is key
• Bipolar isn't simple; there can be many sets of symptoms
• Depression in men less frequent than women