Pain symptoms in depression: definition and clinical significance
Cornelius Katona, Robert Peveler, Christopher Dowrick, Simon Wessely, Charlotte Feinmann, Linda Gask, Huw Lloyd, Amanda C de C Williams and Elizabeth Wager
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.5-4-390
Clin Med July 2005 Cornelius Katona
Kent Institute of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury
Roles: Dean
Robert Peveler
University of Southampton
Roles: FRCPsych
Christopher Dowrick
University of Liverpool
Roles: Professor of Primary Medical Care
Simon Wessely
King's and St Thomas's School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, London
Roles: Professor of Epidemiology and Liaison Psychiatry
Charlotte Feinmann
Behavioural Science and Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute and Royal Free and University College School of Medicine, London
Roles: Reader in Psychiatry
Linda Gask
National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester
Roles: Professor of Primary Care Psychiatry
Huw Lloyd
Cadwgan Surgery, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Wales
Roles: General Practitioner
Amanda C de C Williams
Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London
Roles: Reader
Elizabeth Wager
Sideview, Princes Risborough
Roles: Medical Writer

Abstract
This article presents the findings of a focused literature review and consensus meetings on the definition and clinical significance of painful symptoms in patients with depression. About 50% of depressed patients report pain, and many types of pain occur more frequently in people with depression than in those without. There is some evidence that pain in depressed patients is associated with a poor response to treatment. Pain and depression may share common pathways and may both respond to treatment with certain antidepressants. Doctors need to be alert to pain in depressed patients and be prepared to treat it.
- © 2005 Royal College of Physicians
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Pain symptoms in depression
Cornelius Katona, Robert Peveler, Christopher Dowrick, Simon Wessely, Charlotte Feinmann, Linda Gask, Huw Lloyd, Amanda C de C Williams, Elizabeth Wager
Clinical Medicine Jul 2005, 5 (4) 390-395; DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.5-4-390
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