Is Pain a Component of Major Depression?

The presence of pain is not unusual in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and rates of MDD are high among patients with pain disorders. However, few studies have systematically examined the nature and scope of pain complaints in patients with MDD. Using pooled, blinded data from large multicenter, manufacturer-funded, treatment studies of 2191 patients with MDD, these researchers, partially funded by industry, correlated the presence of seven specific pain complaints with the severity of depression.

Pain complaints rated as at least moderately bothersome included headaches; muscle aches; and pain in the lower back, neck, chest or heart, abdomen, and joints. Only 25% reported no pain complaints, 18% reported one, and most patients…