Journal of
eISSN: 2373-6410
Submit manuscript...
Research Article Volume 15 Issue 6
Depression and chronic pain: integrated therapeutic approaches for treatment
Layra Giovana Carvalho Camara, Ana Carolina Ribeiro de Araujo e Araujo, Hiago Sousa Bastos, Jacira do Nascimento Serra, Marcelly Amanda Lucena Ericeira, Almir José Guimaraes Gouveia, Otto Mauro dos Santos Rosa, Juliana Fonseca Cavalcante, Maria Aparecida Costa, Ana Luísa Penha Castro Marques, Aeriberto Carlos Lindoso de Souza, Consuelo Penha Castro Marques
Department of Medicine, Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil
Received: October 18, 2025 | Published: November 26, 2025
Citation: Camara LGC, Araujo ACRA, Bastos HS, et al. Depression and chronic pain: integrated therapeutic approaches for treatment. J Neurol Stroke. 2025;15(5):147-155. DOI: 10.15406/jnsk.2025.15.00639
Abstract
Introduction: Depression and chronic pain are frequently interconnected conditions that significantly impair functionality, well-being, and quality of life. Their relationship is bidirectional, mediated by shared neurobiological mechanisms and psychosocial factors such as catastrophizing, social isolation, and hopelessness, demanding therapeutic approaches that transcend the traditional biomedical model. Objective: To investigate, through an integrative literature review, the main therapeutic strategies used in the simultaneous management of chronic pain and depression, with emphasis on non-pharmacological interventions that foster functional recovery and overall patient well-being. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and SciELO for publications from 2019 to 2024; after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 articles were qualitatively analyzed. Results: The most frequent therapies included Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as integrated programs combining physiotherapy and online modalities. Studies consistently reported reductions in pain intensity, functional interference, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and catastrophizing, along with increased pain acceptance and patient autonomy. Discussion: Findings reinforce that integrated therapeutic strategies yield lasting benefits, particularly when tailored to the patient’s psychological and social profile. Both faceto-face and virtual formats of CBT and mindfulness-based approaches proved effective, broadening access to care; personalization, cognitive restructuring, and active patient engagement emerged as key elements for therapeutic success. Conclusion: Effective management of co-occurring depression and chronic pain requires an interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach. Non-pharmacological therapies, especially psychotherapeutic interventions — are essential to reduce suffering, restore function, and reclaim autonomy, supporting more integrative, humanized, and effective clinical practices in mental health and pain care.
Keywords: depression, chronic pain, cognitive-behavioral therapy, integrative therapies, mental health
©2025 Camara, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.