Psychiatric assessment in chronic pain
Sleep, anxiety and depression accompanying long-lasting pain
Back, neck, joint or widespread body pain that lasts for months can affect not only the body but also sleep, mood and daily life. Sleep problems, anxiety, low motivation and depression are common alongside long-lasting pain. These in turn can make the pain feel more intense and make it harder to take part in treatment.
This assessment does not mean the pain is "all in your head". The aim is to identify the mental health and sleep problems that accompany the pain and make treatment harder, and to include these in the treatment plan as well.
The consultation covers the course of the pain, sleep patterns, mood, sources of stress and all the medicines you take, including painkillers. If needed, medication is planned; because some medicines can affect both mood and long-lasting pain, the choice is made for the individual.
Because orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists work under the same roof at Anora Clinic, with your consent the assessment results can be shared with the team managing your treatment and planned alongside your exercise programme.
Bringing a list of all the medicines you take, any imaging results and previous reports makes the assessment easier.