What Happens With Chronic Pain and Depression?
If you have chronic pain and depression, you’ve got plenty of company. Depression is one of the most common psychological issues facing people who suffer from chronic pain, and it often complicates the patient’s conditions and treatment. Consider these statistics: • According to the American Pain Foundation, about 32 million people in the U.S. report have had pain lasting longer than one year. • From one-quarter to more than half of the population that complains of pain to their doctors are depressed. • On average, 65% of depressed people also complain of pain. • People whose pain limits their independence are especially likely to get depressed. Because depression in patients with chronic pain frequently goes undiagnosed, it often goes untreated. Pain symptoms and complaints take center stage on most doctor visits. The result is depression — along with sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and decreased physical activity, which may make pain much worse.
