Citation

Brammer SV. Pain Manag. Nurs. 2018; 19(6): 580-584.

Affiliation

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Electronic address: susan.brammer@uc.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pmn.2018.06.006

PMID

30342882

Abstract

SPECIFIC CLINICAL ISSUE: The purpose of this clinical consultation is to offer nurses evidence-based strategies to provide holistic care to their patients with comorbid depression and pain. The combination of depression and pain is common and, if not managed effectively, has negative outcomes. Treatment-resistance is one negative outcome. The worst-case scenario for unrelieved depression and/or pain is suicide. MAJOR PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON BEST EVIDENCE: Antidepressants, particularly duloxetine, have had efficacy for pain and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment for depression, has been found to decrease pain. Examples of additional interventions include exercise, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and music. Providing holistic nursing care and working with other disciplines optimizes more effective management of these co-occurring conditions.

Copyright © 2018 American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en