Are pain management specialists trained to deal with the depression and mental problems that come with constant pain?

Pain and Depression: There is no designated specialty of pain medicine yet. Therefore physicians with varied backgrounds will practice pain management. Most should be able to identify depresion but few will have the training to treat serious depression adequately. Referral to a psychiatrist and/or psychologist should be considered.

Yes: It's part of the training, but some focus more on procedures.

Absolutely: Absolutely. The best practices involve specialized pain psychologists who are the primary role players in helping address the depression and mood disorders associated with chronic pain.

Not all are.: Pain clinics deal primarily with the physical aspects of chronic pain. Good physicians either spot the depression and mental problems in their clients or respond to client complaints by referring to therapist who specialize in helping people better cope with living with their pain. Research is finding better and more effective techniques.