A Review of Treatment Modalities for Comorbid Neuropathic Pain and Depression.
Journal of integrative neuroscience – May 26, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
People experiencing chronic nerve pain are 3x more likely to develop depression, highlighting a crucial link between these conditions. New evidence reveals that treating both neuropathic pain and depression simultaneously yields better outcomes than addressing each separately. Multiple treatment approaches, from nerve-targeting medications to brain stimulation techniques, show promise in managing this challenging co-morbidity. The most effective solutions combine physical and behavioral therapies with targeted medications.
Abstract
Over the past years, a number of clinical and preclinical investigations have been documented, suggesting treatment strategies and pharmaceuticals for neuropathic pain and depressive disorders, potentially beneficial in cases where these conditions are comorbid. This review lists these potential treatment options and discusses the proposed underlying mechanisms of action and their limitations, in terms of both physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Physiotherapy includes electroacupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, both of which affect neuronal function by altering the physiological state of the neurons. Pharmacological treatments include tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, ketamine, minocycline, and Chinese medicine, which alter ion channel activity, affect neurotransmitter release, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. As such, this review may help to improve future research endeavors and therapeutic options for this frequently occurring comorbidity.