Interesting research discovered (University College London, May 20, 2025)! “Depression symptoms and similar conditions may trigger inflammation and nervous system abnormalities in the body, which could appear as physical pain ‘years later’”; after my own severe depression-like experience, pain appeared throughout my body too! (Chronic inflammation-related)
4月 25, 2026菅原隆志26 min read
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The mind and body are connected—depressive symptoms may be a “warning sign” of pain.
Research background Many middle-aged and older adults over 50 live with chronic pain in the lower back, knees, back, and other areas. At the same time, it is also known that stronger depressive symptoms and loneliness can amplify how pain is perceived. However, it was not clear when depression begins to worsen and how it relates to pain.
Survey method A research team at University College London (UCL) analyzed 21 years of questionnaire results (every two years) from about 7,300 people aged 50 and over living in England. They compared 3,668 people who answered that they “often” experienced moderate or greater pain (the pain group) with 3,668 people who hardly felt any pain (the non-pain group).
Main findings
Depressive symptoms gradually worsen starting “8 years” before pain appears
In the pain group, scores for low mood and fatigue gradually increased from 8 years before pain was first reported. They peaked when pain began and remained high afterward.
In the non-pain group, depressive symptoms over the same period remained relatively mild and stable.
Loneliness also tended to worsen
In the pain group, feelings of loneliness increased in the years before and after pain onset, whereas the non-pain group remained low and steady.
On the other hand, there was no major difference in the number of times they met with family or friends (an indicator of social isolation), suggesting that the subjective feeling of “loneliness” itself may be deeply linked to pain.
The impact is greater in harsher social and economic conditions
People with lower education and income levels showed more pronounced worsening of depressive symptoms and loneliness. One possible reason is that they are less able to receive mental health care and support for pain.
Implications from the study
“Mental signs” such as depressive symptoms and loneliness may begin long before physical pain appears.
By strengthening mental health support and social connections early, it may be possible to prevent or reduce later pain.
In particular, it is important to develop accessible support programs for people in environments where it is hard to get help.
References Depression linked to physical pain years later | UCL News – University College London, May 20, 2025 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/may/depression-linked-physical-pain-years-later
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