What is the relationship between PTSD and pain?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a challenging disorder where making the diagnosis is difficult, especially if the patient is unaware of the source or cause of the distress. If patients and families can identify signs and symptoms of PTSD earlier, this would significantly improve patient well-being and reduce the risk for drug related aberrant behavior. One area where PTSD is often not recognized and not routinely screened for is in chronic pain patients. Patients with chronic pain are oftentimes not asked about PTSD nor is it commonplace for them to think that PTSD is a contributor to the chronic pain. There are effective medications and psychotherapies that can simultaneously treat PTSD and chronic pain.

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