Common pathways of depression and pain.
Depressive disorders are chronic conditions that produce both emotional and physical symptoms. Increasing evidence suggests that in some patients with depressive disorders a neurodegenerative process may occur, highlighting the importance of early and aggressive intervention. Serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) neurotransmitter systems influence neuroplasticity in the brain, and both are involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of most currently available antidepressants. Some dual-action antidepressants have been shown to be effective in managing the pain symptoms associated with depression. These agents may have advantages over others by treating a wider array of physical symptoms. Additionally, these agents may also have a role in modulating neurogenesis and other neuroplastic changes, thereby leading to more complete recovery in patients suffering from the emotional and physical symptoms of chronic depression.
Delgado
Pedro L
PL
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-5080, USA. pedro.delgado@case.edu
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D009638:Norepinephrine; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D013876:Thiophenes; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride