When chronic pain and depression overlap

Why discuss both pain and mood?

Chronic disease, including pain, is associated with a higher risk of depression. NIMH notes that having both can make the symptoms of each more difficult. Depression can still be treated when another health condition is present. Source: NIMH.

Seeking psychiatric care does not mean your physical symptoms should be dismissed. Bring questions about both conditions and clarify which clinician will address each concern.

What to discuss at a psychiatric assessment

• Changes in mood, interest, sleep, concentration, and daily routines.
• How pain affects work, relationships, and activities you value.
• Which treatments helped, were difficult to tolerate, or were stopped.
• Your full medication and supplement list, including medicines prescribed by other clinicians.
• What you hope psychiatric care will add to your existing treatment.

Keep the plan coordinated

Ask who manages each prescription and how clinicians can share relevant records with your permission. Bring questions about overlapping medicines to the prescriber or pharmacist rather than changing the plan yourself.

Dr. Clark provides psychiatric assessment and medication management in Dallas. If TMS is discussed for depression, ask how the depression goals will be tracked separately from pain goals. See when to consider TMS.

Prepare for your first conversation

Write down your main concern and the names of your current clinicians. You can request an appointment through our contact page; save detailed medical information for the clinical visit.

For immediate danger, call 911. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.