A Consideration of the Psychological Aspects to Managing Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: An Insight into Pain Management Services at a Tertiary Centre in the UK

Painful diabetic neuropathy (pDN) is characterised by both sensory and affective disturbances, suggesting a complex bidirectional relationship of neuropathic pain and mood disorders. Data on pDN indicate that neuropathic pain reduces quality of life, including mood and physical and social functioning. Depression and pain coping strategies such as catastrophising and social support predict pain severity. There is a significant and reciprocal relationship between depressed mood and increased pain. The key features of assessing people with neuropathic pain in relation to psychological aspects of their health are discussed in the context of management in a tertiary pain management centre (The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK) including cognitive behavioural interventions amongst others to improve the quality of life in patients with pDN. We consider psychological issues as a factor influencing treatment and outcome in patients with pDN.