Emotional Problems
Neuropathic pain causes sensory, cognitive, and emotional abnormalities that lower the quality of life. Persistent neuropathic pain limits productivity and physical activity, affecting social functioning. According to some studies, a high level of comorbidity exists between persistent neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, and depression. Up to half of the painful neuropathy patients have concurrent depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, it is associated with increased psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and more workdays lost than healthier individuals. This affects working memory, cognition, hunger, depression, anhedonia, sleep cycles, and family and social connections. It can cause severe elevated moods and depression, the primary symptoms of a mood disorder or bipolar disorder.
Some studies suggest that pain and mood disorders share pathogenetic pathways. Biological and neuroimaging research demonstrates that shared brain regions modulate painful and emotional experiences. Some brain chemicals that relay messages between the neurotransmitters are shared by those suffering from depression and neuropathic pain. Furthermore, it was investigated that antidepressants affect neuropathic pain in two ways: reducing the perceived pain and stabilizing the mood of patients. However, patients are advised to reduce stress and incorporate healthy habits such as meditation to manage the symptoms.
