Article: DEPRESSION AND CHRONIC PAIN.(Living)

Q: My boyfriend has been suffering from chronic pain for about a year and a half. He has seen a number of specialists in search of a diagnosis with little success. My concern is that his condition is getting worse. Recently, I've read how depression can cause physical pain. My question is, can chronic pain (and the accompanying frustration) cause depression? If so, might that be compounding the problem? Would consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist be in order? Thanks.

A: Chronic pain and depression often go hand in hand.

First of all, as you mention, someone with chronic pain experiences daily frustration as the pain interferes with activities, work, hobbies, ...

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