Can Depression Cause Aches & Flu-like Symptoms?

One of the most misunderstood aspects of depression is the physical symptoms that often accompany this disorder. Yet depression often presents with aches, pains and even flu-like symptoms that can make it difficult for a doctor to make a diagnosis.

• Medication can ease the symptoms of depression.

Physical Symptoms of Depression

• Depression's physical symptoms can include both chronic and acute pain affecting the joints, limbs, back, neck and head. Gastrointestinal problems and appetite changes are also common, as are fatigue and sleep disorders.

Causes of Physical Symptoms of Depression

• It is suggested that disruptions in the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which are widely believed to be responsible for mood disorders, also cause pain by sending faulty signals to pain receptors. Thus, when depression is the result of disrupted neurotransmitters, pain can be a symptom.

Diagnosis of Depression

• People who suffer from the physical symptoms that are associated with depression and also suffer persistent mood changes such as sadness, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in usual activities or suicidal thoughts should report these conditions to their health care provider to aid in determining a diagnosis.

Treatment

• Health care providers may recommend medication, therapy or even hospitalization, or a combination of these treatments, for depression.

Prognosis

• Management or remission of depression's mood and physical symptoms can be achieved, although physical symptoms sometimes linger even after mood symptoms are controlled or in remission.