Why Use Antidepressants for Pain? • Pain is a nervous system function designed to protect the body from harm. But sometimes, pain persists beyond injury or happens without a clear injury. • When pain becomes chronic (e.g., fibromyalgia, migraines), it's considered dysfunctional—no longer serving its protective purpose. • Chronic pain can trigger a cycle: -Increased pain perception -Decreased activity -Emotional withdrawal -Negative emotions • Antidepressants help break the cycle. Acting on the nervous system, they can reduce pain.