Effects of ketamine on pain and depression comorbidity

Abstract

Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, with an incidence rate of 16%, causing a heavy social and economic burden. Moreover, pain and depression often coexist, and the factors that need to be considered to understand this coexistence are more complex. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the coexistence of pain and depression is likely to find a more effective way to treat depression in the context of pain. In this chapter, we outline the prevalence of pain and depression comorbidities and the shared neurobiological mechanisms between pain and depression. Additionally, we discuss animal models commonly used in the current study to simulate comorbidities of pain and depression. Finally, we also present some current therapies based on an understanding of the neurobiological changes that occur in pain and depression comorbidities, as well as ketamine as a promising approach in the treatment of pain and depression comorbidities.