Physical Symptoms of Depression: Unmet Needs in Special Populations

Over two thirds of people suffering from depression complain of pain with or without reportingpsychological symptoms. Many people have trouble expressing internal emotions, consider mentalillness to be a stigma, or simply assume depressive symptoms relate to their personal situations andtherefore do not seek treatment. Physical symptoms are more prevalent among women, the elderly, thepoor, children, culturally diverse populations, the medically ill, and the imprisoned. Because of a dualmechanism of action, medications such as duloxetine and venlafaxine may be useful in treating thephysical symptoms as well as depressive symptoms in these special populations.