The Physical Symptoms of Depression
The Physical Symptoms of Depression – Depression is a mental illness, but it can cause physical symptoms as well. Watch this to learn about the ways that depression can cause physical pain.
Expert: Barbara Bartlik, MD Certified Psychiatrist
Transcript
When body pain is associated with DEPRESSION, the pain often comes on as ACHES or SHARP SENSATIONS in the head, back, chest, stomach and joints.
Some people also experience bouts of fatigue and exhaustion, no matter how much sleep and rest they get.
Unfortunately, many doctors aren’t aware that pain symptoms can be associated with depression and they search in vain for some other physical source. Some studies suggest that if physicians evaluated all pain patients for mood disorders, they might discover that 60 PERCENT of them had undiagnosed depression.
If you suffer from undiagnosed chronic pain OR have been diagnosed with depression and pain in combination, treatment may include:
- Medication, such as antidepressants
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to ease depression and help you change your pain response
- Stress management, including relaxation techniques, hypnosis, or biofeedback
- Supportive individual and or family counseling
Last Modified: 2013-10-03 | Tags
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
