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Psychological Pain, Depression, and Suicide: Recent Evidences and Future Directions

  • Mood Disorders (E Baca-Garcia, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The definition of psychological pain is complex. It is a lasting unpleasant and unsustainable feeling characterized by a perception of inability or deficiency of the self, as well as frustrated psychological needs and social disconnection. The aim of our review was to summarize the most recent and updated findings supporting the role of psychological pain in the pathophysiology of depression and suicidal behavior. We also explored the relationship between psychological and physical pain in depression and suicide.

Recent Findings

Psychological pain is a prominent dimension of depressive disorder and has been associated with higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. Sensitivity to psychological and physical pain is increased in depression. Conversely, higher tolerance to physical pain is associated with suicidal behavior.

Summary

A better understanding of the pathophysiology of pain processing in depression and suicide offers new therapeutic options for the treatment of depression through the use of analgesic drugs.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nimes, Université Montpellier, Nimes, France

    Ismael Conejero

  2. Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, CHU Montpellier, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France

    Emilie Olié, Raffaella Calati, Déborah Ducasse & Philippe Courtet

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  1. Ismael Conejero
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  2. Emilie Olié
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  3. Raffaella Calati
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  4. Déborah Ducasse
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  5. Philippe Courtet
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Correspondence to Philippe Courtet.

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Conflict of Interest

Ismael Conejero, Emilie Olié, Déborah Ducasse, and Philippe Courtet declare no conflict of interest.

Raffaella Calati has received a grant from the FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France (2015–2016).

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Conejero, I., Olié, E., Calati, R. et al. Psychological Pain, Depression, and Suicide: Recent Evidences and Future Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 20, 33 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-018-0893-z

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