Would depression management relieve pain and improve function.
Chronic pain represents an important clinical, social, and economic problem that often is confounded by affective disorders. While clinicians do not know if chronic pain induces depression or depression initiates pain, co-morbidity is common and the burden of illness increases when patients suffer from both illnesses. The patient's quality of life dramatically decreases leading to decreased functioning which makes the treatment for pain more complicated. Patients who have chronic pain also may benefits from antidepressant medications for improved function and quality of life. To obtain optimal clinical outcomes, it is imperative to address both conditions when planning therapy for and studies of chronic pain.
Ho
Mei-Jen
MJ
Pharmacotherapy Outcomes Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84108, USA. mei-jen.ho@pharm.utah.edu
Biskupiak
Joseph
J
D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D059408:Pain Management; D011788:Quality of Life