Pain and Depression: A Neurobiological Perspective of Their Relationship

more diffuse, as indicated by the number of painful sites, and has a greater effect on the quality of life. n addition, serotonin and norepinephrine were principally investigated since these neurotransmitters are located in the main pain pathway as well as preclinical and clinical evidence have suggested a significant role of such neurotransmitters regarding the development and treatment of pain. In fact, a number of psychotropic agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), noradrenergic and specific serotonin receptor antagonist (NaSSa), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been actively tried for the treatment of pain disorders or painful somatic symptoms regardless of patients' diagnosis, all of which are involved in serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission. his brief perspective will provide a summary of intricate relationship between pain and depression as a further understanding on the role of pain in relation with the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and proper management of depression.