The relationship between fibromyalgia and major depressive disorder: a comprehensive review.
OBJECTIVE
A large body of evidence suggests that the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and fibromyalgia (FM) is complex. Improved understanding of this relationship promises to provide clinicians with better assessment and treatment options for both disorders.


METHODS
This paper reviews research on the prevalence, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical characterization, and treatment of FM and MDD, as well as studies that examined the relationship between these disorders. Studies were identified via PubMed literature search.


RESULTS
Our findings point to substantial similarities in neuroendocrine abnormalities, psychological characteristics, physical symptoms and treatments between FM and MDD. However, currently available findings do not support the assumption that MDD and FM refer to the same underlying construct or can be seen as subsidiaries of one disease concept.


CONCLUSIONS
New methodological and theoretical approaches may lead to a better understanding of the link between FM and MDD, and to more effective psychological and psychopharmacological therapies for FM patients. In the meantime, clinicians should carefully screen for a history of MDD in patients with FM.
Pae
Chi-Un
CU
Department of Psychiatry, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. pae@catholic.ac.kr
Luyten
Patrick
P
Marks
David M
DM
Han
Changsu
C
Park
Sung-Hwan
SH
Patkar
Ashwin A
AA
Masand
Prakash S
PS
Van Houdenhove
Boudewijn
B
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans
D000928:Antidepressive Agents