Pain and the Brain: Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

Article Abstract

Pain and depression are commonly comorbid in primary care patients. This may be particularly true in patients experiencing diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, a complication that affects many patients with diabetes in which nerve damage causes their pain perception to be enhanced. When treating patients who present with this type of pain or with generalized aches and pains, clinicians should be vigilant in inquiring about possible mood complaints that patients may be reticent to discuss. Some current antidepressant medications may be more effective in treating depression and comorbid pain than others.