Anxiety, depression and quality of life in individuals with phantom limb pain

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate emotional factors such as anxiety and depression, and the Quality of Life of individuals with chronic persistent pain after amputation in order to identify the interindividual variation in response to pain. METHODS: This was a descriptive, exploratory and cross-sectional study with quantitative approach. Twenty seven patients were interviewed. The instruments have rated the sociodemographic, clinical and economic profile (semistructured interview) and the Quality of Life (generic Quality of Life questionnaire SF-12) and emotional factors (HAD scale) of the interviewed patients. RESULTS: It was identified that the most frequent amputations occur in males aged 18-38 years and are related to occupational accidents. The Quality of Life was compromised in both components of physical and mental health. Furthermore, anxiety levels were more prevalent in the range from aged 18 to 38 years old, while the levels of depression were most prevalent among the elderly (60 to 80 years old). CONCLUSION: The impairment of Quality of Life and change in the perception of body image has a major impact on adherence to the rehabilitation program and the functional prognosis. Therapeutic orientation is, therefore, critical after this type of surgery. Level of Evidence II, Descriptive and Exploratory Study.

Behavioral Therapy for Acute Post‐Surgical Phantom Limb Pain in a Young Adult With Osteosarcoma

“…Pain intensity can be extremely high, with profound effects on quality of life. 1 Unfortunately, pharmacologic interventions leave up to 50% of patients with chronic PLP. 2,3 Behavioral treatments such as motor imagery and mirror therapy are promising in reducing PLP, 4 but are not customarily utilized during the acute post-surgical timeframe when symptoms first occur.…”

Assistive technologies for pain management in people with amputation: a literature review

“…The present review aimed to explore the literature to find existing assistive devices/technologies for pain management in people with amputation. Furthermore, the results of present review can provide an insight on current advances and limitations in pain management after amputation [ 32 ], which consequently, can promote peers to focus further on resolving the problem in future.…”

Phantom limb pain: peripheral neuromodulatory and neuroprosthetic approaches to treatment

“…Padovani et al . recently described how activities of daily living were partially or completely disrupted by amputation and PLP . Patients reported difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, deterioration in interpersonal relationships, impaired ability to focus, impaired personal hygiene, heightened anxiety, and depressive symptoms.…”