Progress of research and treatment on comorbidity of pain and depression in the elderly

Pain and depression often coexist. Comorbidity of pain and depression seriously affects the quality of life of the patients. The problem of population aging is getting worse in China. With the increase of age, many physiological functions of the elderly begin to deteriorate, the public pays more attention to physical and mental health of the elderly. Elderly has the high risk of comorbidity of pain and depression. Compared with other groups, it is hard for comorbidity of pain and depression in the elderly to be diagnosed and cured. This paper reviewed recently research progress about comorbidity of pain and depression in elderly, including clinical status, pathogenesis and treatment. In order to improve the therapeutic effect of elderly patients, comorbidity of pain and depression in the elderly deserves more attention and in depth research. Key words: Aged; Pain; Depression; Comorbidity