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Pain in Depressive Disorders

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Mental Health and Pain

Abstract

Pain is a common symptom in patients with depressive disorders and is prognostically unfavorable. However, the insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms is limited and specific guidelines on treatment strategies are still in progress. Recent research suggests a complex alteration of nociception and pain processing in depression, leading in an extreme case to both higher pain thresholds and prevalent clinical pain symptoms. As one key factor in pathophysiology a failure of activation of the descending pain-inhibitory system is discussed. Multidisciplinary diagnostics and treatment, addressing both somatic and psychosocial factors, are essential. Antidepressants targeting both the serotonin and the noradrenaline systems are superior to those with a more selective effect. Pain therapy also includes non-somatic interventions, with elements of psycho-education and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics II, Psychiatric Center Nordbaden, Heidelberger St. 1a, D-69168, Wiesloch, Germany

    Stefan Gebhardt

  2. Physiological Psychology, Otto-Friedrich-University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany

    Stefan Lautenbacher

Authors
  1. Stefan Gebhardt
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  2. Stefan Lautenbacher
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Correspondence to Stefan Gebhardt .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre de Recherche Clinique Etienne Le Bel, Sherbrooke, Canada

    Serge Marchand

  2. EPS Barthélémy Durand, Etampes, France

    Djéa Saravane

  3. Faculté de médecine et CRCELB, Sherbrooke, Canada

    Isabelle Gaumond

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Gebhardt, S., Lautenbacher, S. (2014). Pain in Depressive Disorders. In: Marchand, S., Saravane, D., Gaumond, I. (eds) Mental Health and Pain. Springer, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0414-9_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0414-9_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Paris

  • Print ISBN: 978-2-8178-0413-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-2-8178-0414-9

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