Physiotherapy and mental health: Depression and suicide attempt case report

Abstract

Background

Clinical practice shows that there is a relationship between cervical spine and temporomandibular joint pathologies. The following case was treated simultaneously by psychiatry, neurosurgery, psychology and physiotherapy, showing rapid and considerable improvement, recognizing the importance of multidisciplinary treatments to address mental pathologies.

Objective

To analyze the case of a 36-year-old patient with severe depression and consequently attempted suicide who received multidisciplinary care.

Methods

Informed consent was obtained from the patient and the EQUATOR guideline corresponding to the type of studies (CARE) was followed.

Results

The patient was under psychiatric treatment for 3 months without improvement. She was prescribed multidisciplinary treatment, including physiotherapy intervention. Ten physiotherapy sessions were ordered with the following protocols: cervical spine and TMJ mobilization exercises, cold/heat therapy, ultrasound and electrotherapy. Ten sessions of psychological therapy accompanied by medical treatment for pain and muscle tension were also ordered. Three months after this multidisciplinary intervention, the physical and mental discomfort began to decrease.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that physiotherapy is a favorable tool for the intervention of mental disorders such as depression.