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 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSeveral treatment options for neuropathic pain and depression, especially when they occur together, are reviewed. Physiotherapy approaches like electroacupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alter neuronal function. Pharmacological treatments include tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, ketamine, minocycline, and Chinese medicine, which work by modifying ion channels, neurotransmitter release, or inflammation. The review discusses the mechanisms and limitations of these therapies, aiming to guide future research and improve care for this common comorbidity.
Study at a glance
| 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 |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key finding | 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.