Opioids to Treat Depression: The Jury Is Out
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/major-depressive-disorder/opioids-treat-depression-jury-out
Two recent clinical trials of opioid medication for depression and suicidality highlight the role of brain opioid systems in depression. Opioids treat pain, but depression and pain are often comorbid, and some antidepressants relieve neuropathic pain even in the absence of depression.