Long-term conditions and mental health

Living with a chronic condition can have a significant impact on how you feel, and often has a huge impact on your quality of life.  Research shows that patients with chronic orofacial pain typically display increased levels of anxiety, depression, catastrophising, and psychosocial distress.

Understanding the psychological consequences of a chronic condition can help you to address any negative changes, and live the best possible life despite your symptoms. Evidence suggests that treating concomitant anxiety and depression can lead to a decrease in pain, although this is not always the primary goal (2,3).  Everyone will react differently to a nerve injury, and the ideas presented below may not fit with your experience, but will hopefully provide some food for thought.

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Also read more on ‘Long-term conditions and mental health-The cost of co-morbidities’ from the The King’s Fund 2an0d11Centre for Mental Health 2012

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