Comorbid pain, depression, and anxiety: multifaceted pathology allows for multifaceted treatment.
The care of patients who suffer from physical pain and a psychiatric illness is typically challenging because of the complex interplay of affective, behavioral, cognitive, and physical aspects of pain. Psychiatrists are often asked to evaluate patients with pain because of a concern for comorbid depression and anxiety, and fears of suicidality as a result of pain. This article reviews the pathophysiology of comorbid pain, anxiety, and depression, along with the treatment modalities (pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, and "alternative") that may benefit all three conditions.
Nicolson
Stephen E
SE
Departments of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
Caplan
Jason P
JP
Williams
Deidre E
DE
Stern
Theodore A
TA
D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management; D011570:Psychiatry; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012803:Sick Role
D000700:Analgesics; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs