Treating Depression and Chronic Pain

[Admin]

Hello,
I have noticed an increase of behavioral health referrals for patients with chronic pain.  I think these are appropriate and would like to work more with the primary care providers to address depression in chronic pain.  
Chronic pain can worsen the symptoms of depression.  Similarly, people with depression can experience body aches and pains.  People with depression also have a more intense sense of pain.  
Please consider these things when treating a patient with chronic pain and depression.  Send a consult our way.  The behavioral health clinic would love to collaborate with you in the care of these patients.  

1) Lifestyle changes may help patients living with chronic pain.  Exercise helps relieve pain symptoms and also boosts mood.
2) At present, the most common treatments for depression include
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or talk therapy to change negative thinking styles and behaviors that may contribute to their depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), including citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), including venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Thanks,
Sally Psychiatrist