In September 2006, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborated on an intensive study to determine the affects of mental disorders and physical discomfort.
Dr. Ricardo Araya, MD a keynote speaker from the UK stated, "It is impossible not to approach depression and anxiety without considering the presence of unexplained physical symptoms."
Physical Manifestations of Depression
Since this collaboration, many studies have focused on how emotional disorders like depression can manifest in physical pain. People experiencing depression whether, mild or severe, have reported similar physical manifestations, including:
- Body aches;
- Generalized body weakness;
- Headaches;
- Nausea; and
- Lower back and neck pain.
Other complaints have been related to fatigue with insomnia, irritability, lack of energy, and lack of motivation.
Situational v. Clinical Depression
Situational depression is often diagnosed after experiencing a life-altering event, such as:
- The end of a relationship;
- Loss of job;
- Death of a pet; and
- A sudden move away from home.
Situational depression is often short-term, however, a person's depression lasting longer than a few weeks, that is worsening, or there are thoughts of suicide or death should see a doctor.
Assessment of Pain Symptoms and Depression
Individuals with sudden body aches and pains will usually not associate the pain with depression. A keen doctor will perform both a thorough history and physical. If depression is suspect, a referral to a therapeutic counselor should be made for further assessment. If the physical pain is related to depression, treating the emotional illness will usually resolve the physical manifestations.
That being said, depression is not something that can easily be treated by a doctor; it would be akin to putting a band-aid on an open wound. The wound will not heal because it was not cleaned and treated prior to closing. To start the healing process, one must first delve deep and exposure the emotional wounds. Sometimes this is enough to combat the depression, while other times, it opens the door for additional treatment options. In either case, the depression can and should be treated by a professional.
Psychologist v. Psychiatrist
In the world of psychology, two types of practitioners come to mind, the licensed clinical psychologist (LCP) and the psychiatrist (MD). The LCP is either a master's prepared or doctorate prepared community/clinical psychologist.
The MD is a medical doctor with residencies in clinical psychology and he has prescriptive authority. If the LCP suspects' medication is needed, she will send a referral to a psychiatrist to determine the best course of medication treatment. In many communities, trained nurses and social workers, both quite capable of providing therapeutic counseling, can also provide care.
Medication Therapy for Depression
There are numerous medications available to treat the various forms of depression. What might work for one individual could have adverse effects in another. Doctors will often use a combination of drugs. During the first few months of treatment, these drugs must be monitored to adjust the dose, change the medication, and assess for any adverse side effects.
Some might argue that medication therapy is enough to treat the depression. On the other spectrum, are those who argue that medication is not enough, that it should be part of a complete plan of care, to include therapeutic counseling to:
- Peel back the layers that have suppressed the feeling;
- Develop better coping mechanism; and
- Monitor the medication for modifications or changes.
Although a holiday might be the catalyst to emotional distress the treatment is not always getting through the holiday. Moreover, untreated depression can result in physical pain and discomfort. Often the physical pain associated with mild depression will resolve on its own with rest and talk therapy.
Linda Mundorff - Dr. Linda Mundorff, MPH,MSN,ND,RN,CNC,CTN Retired. Registered Nurse/Board Certified Traditional Naturopath bridges2hlth@aol.com
