Depressive disorders are commonly treated with medications that target emotional or mood symptoms. However, the pain sensations associated with depression have only recently been considered problematic enough to require further research for intervention. The Mayo Clinic recognizes a relationship between pain and depression such as body aches or back pain. The link between mood neurotransmitters and pain receptors in the brain's limbic system are also being further researched to better understand the connection in depressive disorders. Medications are available for treating the combination of symptoms associated with pain and depression.
Duloxetine
Duloxetine is highly marketed by its trade name as a medication that offers relief from depression and pain. Duloxetine is a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals are involved in moderating mood, sleep, memory and pleasure, which are often altered when a depressive disorder is present. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the combination of serotonin and norepinephrine supplied by duloxetine is also intended to prevent the pain signals from reaching the brain, thus stopping the sensation of pain from being felt. A recent study reported in the June 2007 "American Journal of Psychiatry" concluded from a short-term controlled trial that this medication significantly improved symptoms of major depressive disorder in elderly patients.
Nefazodone
According to Harvard Health Publications, depression may alter the brain pathways that signal pain, creating increased attention on the pain sensation. Due to the serotonin and norepinephrine being involved in the reception of pain signals, medications such as nefazodone are being researched for effects on treating the pain associated with depression. Nefazodone is an antidepressant classed as an SNRI. Research mentioned in the July/August 2000 "Psychosomatic Medicine" concluded that this medication was not only effective in treating neuropathy associated with diabetes but also found it to show promise in improving symptoms of pain associated with depression.
Desvenlafaxine
Desvenlafaxine is a newer medication used to treat depression. Desvenlafaxine is also a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which is a class of medications for treating pain related to depression. Controlled research studies reported in the online source Biopsychiatry from the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" conclude that early studies on desvenlafaxine demonstrate improvement in symptoms of depression and pain in small samples of participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
References
- Harvard Health Publications: Depression and Pain
- Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine: Nefazodone in Diabetic Neuropathy
- National Pain Foundation: Pain and Depression
- Mayo Clinic: Is There a Link Between Pain and Depression
- American Journal of Psychiatry: Efficacy of Duloxetine on Cognition, Depression, and Pain
