Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Beulig, Alfred
Keywords
Depression, Pain, Neurobiology, Treatments
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
Depression and pain often coexist. This thesis is an investigation into the possible common neurobiological mechanisms between the two conditions that would explain this comorbidity. Both pain and depression may involve monoamines, the HPA axis, and other neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems such as substance P, endogenous opioids, and GABA. One of the main theories described in this thesis involves the immune system and inflammation. Inflammation initiates the activation of several pathways that starts the transition from both sickness to depression and from acute to chronic pain. This area of study has implications in clinical practice and could be used to develop novel treatments for major depression and chronic pain.
Recommended Citation
Donlon, Eagan, "THE COMORBIDITY OF PAIN AND DEPRESSION" (2015). Theses & ETDs. 5012.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5012