Anxiety & Depression Specialist

Is depression and anxiety common among people with chronic pain?

Yes. A very high percentage of people suffering from prolonged pain develop anxiety and/or depression. Conversely, a high percentage of people suffering from anxiety and depression develop pain conditions. The two are interconnected.

One of the biggest causes of depression and anxiety is a lack of sleep, which is common in those suffering from pain. This becomes a vicious cycle. The less you sleep due to pain, the lower your pain tolerance and your ability to fight inflammation. These symptoms end up impacting your ability to sleep, which causes the cycle to continue. All of this deeply affects your mood and sense of well-being.

What are the symptoms of depression or anxiety?

If you have some of the following symptoms for a period of two weeks or more, you may be suffering from depression and/or anxiety.

• Feeling depressed

• Significantly reduced interest or pleasure

• Appetite change (eating more or less than usual)

• Insomnia or sleeping too much

• Loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Decreased concentration

• Recurrent thoughts of death

• Nervousness, restlessness, or being tense

• Frequent sense of danger, panic, or dread

• Rapid heart rate or breathing; or hyperventilation

• Increased or heavy sweating

• Muscle twitching or trembling

How are depression and anxiety treated?

The Integrative Pain Institute team are highly experienced in working with pain patients who experience depression and anxiety, and have sophisticated diagnostic screening tools available to them. Tools include the PHQ-4 to screen for anxiety and depression, PHQ-9 for comprehensive depression evaluation, and GAD-7 for comprehensive anxiety evaluation. In addition, an honest conversation about how you are feeling can be extremely useful in diagnosing a condition.

Once diagnosed, a wide variety of treatments and tools are available. Prescription medications to control anxiety and depression are a possible first step, but counseling from a team of professionals can also provide a great deal of relief. This may include assistance with diet, lifestyle, and relaxation techniques with a team of on-site chiropractors and nurse practitioners. Exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy are all important tools for treating depression and anxiety. Referrals for psychiatric services are also available.

In addition, the team works with patients to provide tools and assistance for getting a better night’s sleep, since sleep is a critical component for improving anxiety and depression.

Feelings of depression and anxiety are common for people in pain, so there is no need to feel embarrassed to seek treatment. At Integrative Pain Institute, patients suffering from these complex conditions receive compassionate, professional care, and the team can help you start an effective treatment plan immediately.

We service patients from all over the DFW area including North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Garland, Irving, Allen, Richardson, and University Park, Highland Park, Frisco and McKinney. 

Call or make an appointment online today and start feeling better.