A Review of Treatment Modalities for Comorbid Neuropathic Pain and Depression.
Zhusheng Chen, Tong Cheng, Haorui Yang, Yongtao Gao, Xiaqing Ma
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience May 26, 2025 DOI: 10.31083/JIN26523 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Electroacupuncture repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation tricyclic antidepressants gabapentin ketamine minocycline Chinese medicine |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Behavioral disorder Neuropathic pain Neuralgia Clinical depression Dual diagnosis Co-morbidity comorbid conditions Behavioral therapy psychotherapy Cognitive behavioral therapy |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | A range of physiotherapy and pharmacological treatments show potential for managing comorbid neuropathic pain and depression, each with distinct mechanisms and limitations. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synaptic Dysfunction in Depression: Potential Therapeutic Targets | 2012 | Review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse | 2003 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews June 26, 2018
- Ketamine for chronic pain: risks and benefits British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology February 21, 2013
- A REVIEW OF KETAMINE ABUSE AND DIVERSION Depression and Anxiety August 1, 2016
- A Single Subanesthetic Dose of Ketamine Relieves Depression-like Behaviors Induced by Neuropathic Pain in Rats Anesthesiology October 1, 2011
- Ketamine treatment for depression: a review Discover Mental Health April 15, 2022
and 2 more in the library