Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in individuals living with Syringomyelia, often stemming from the complex interplay of chronic pain, physical limitations, and the neurological impact of a syrinx on the central nervous system. The Psychological Impact of Syringomyelia Living with Syringomyelia often involves profound emotional challenges, including the "invisible" nature of the condition, fear of progressive disability, and the exhaustion that comes with navigating a rare disease journey. While there is no single biochemical "switch" for depression in Syringomyelia, the chronic disruption of spinal cord signaling and persistent neuropathic pain are known to alter brain chemistry, increasing vulnerability to mood disorders.

4 people with Syringomyelia have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.

Syringomyelia and depression

Name: Syringomyelia and depression
Creator: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Published: 2015-06-20UTC13:42:24.0000000

Syringomyelia and depression: how the condition can affect mood, what patients report and when to seek help.

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in individuals living with Syringomyelia, often stemming from the complex interplay of chronic pain, physical limitations, and the neurological impact of a syrinx on the central nervous system.

The Psychological Impact of Syringomyelia

Living with Syringomyelia often involves profound emotional challenges, including the "invisible" nature of the condition, fear of progressive disability, and the exhaustion that comes with navigating a rare disease journey. While there is no single biochemical "switch" for depression in Syringomyelia, the chronic disruption of spinal cord signaling and persistent neuropathic pain are known to alter brain chemistry, increasing vulnerability to mood disorders. The emotional burden of adjusting to a life where physical abilities may fluctuate is significant.

Recognizing and Managing Mental Health

Signs of clinical depression in patients with Syringomyelia often mirror physical symptoms, such as increased fatigue, sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal. It is essential to distinguish between the exhaustion caused by neurological damage and the lethargy associated with depressive episodes. Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are highly effective in helping patients manage the "pain-depression cycle," where pain exacerbates low mood, which in turn lowers the pain threshold.

Support and Crisis Intervention

Integrating mental health support into your Syringomyelia care plan is as vital as physical intervention. Support groups through platforms like DiseaseMaps.org offer community validation, reducing the isolation that frequently accompanies this rare diagnosis. If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact your local emergency services.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

References

NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs

American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project (ASAP)

Author: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team

Reviewed against authoritative medical sources (NIH GARD, Orphanet, OMIM)

Last updated: 2026-04-06

Sources cited: NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) · Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs · American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project (ASAP)

Medical disclaimer: This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.

Source: DiseaseMaps.org

5 answers

It will certainly caused depression yes. The reason being is because everything about your life changes. Between doctors not understanding, living in pain, developing new symptoms. Sometimes pain management the narcotics can bring on depression. This disease affects every area of your life. Depression with this disease is extremely real. And it is best to be traded from the time you become symptomatic.

Posted Mar 22, 2018 by Tammie 4000

Absolutely!! Its very depressing when you find out you have to change your lifestyle. You will not get any better; you will get worse, it's only a matter of time. There's things you can't do anymore and if you let all the negative rule your mood it ruins you. It's very hard but the good thing is this disorder only fixates on the strong ones.

Posted Jun 20, 2018 by Austyn 3500

My perspective is a little different - I suffer from chronic neurological pain not from syringomyelia, I broke my neck in 1995. Now my 41 year old son has had to accept a diagnosis of syringomyelia. He has been searching for cures/treatments/coping skills for 5 years now before he finally accepted he has syringomyelia. On the pain scale he lives with constant full right side body pain at 6 on good day... 10 on bad days. He is a very private person and I am his only confidant in the discussion of his disease. Nothing helps my pain more than talking to my son about his. I have realized over time that while it can be very uncomfortable sharing about this, doing so relieves my pain. It is a selfish truth I share because I hope, while I cannot confirm, exhibiting compassion, discussing issues, developing coping strategies, sharing love and laughter and encouragement gives my body a break from the constant pain I suffer. I hope it helps him too. IDK but he calls and talks with me daily...God bless us all. Keep your spirit high:)

Posted Mar 9, 2023 by Cynthia 100

i was diagnosed when i was 7, don't know what caused it but i always have been complaining to my mom about my back ever since i could talk. it hurts so bad and now i've unfortunately done something that has made it even worse! the pain sometimes is unbearable... i've been known for my high pain tolerance (examples: crushing finger in car door and being silent for first 5 minutes as an 8 year old, falling and bashing my head and knees as a baby and just getting pissed off instead of crying, etc) and i've seriously been brought to tears by it from time to time. it certainly does cause depression because it sucks to think that you could've had your whole life ahead of you but now you're limited of doing certain things and doomed to horrible pain that worsens as time goes by with no cure. i want to become a music performer and it's gonna be so hard on my back that i'm almost afraid to do it! it's gotten to the point to where everyday life is hurting me and sometimes i wish i wasn't born so i wouldn't have to feel like this. i hate it, i hate it, i hate it! fuck syringomyelia.

Posted Jul 11, 2023 by Anonymous 100