Are there different psychological symptoms or disorders with the different types of pain?
Psychological reactions to pain involve a range of emotional distress and dysfunction. Neuropathic, visceral, and somatic pain can all cause psychological symptoms (such as depression or anxiety) and/or disorders (such as major depression or generalized anxiety). It is difficult to tie a specific type of emotional distress to a specific type of pain. However, acute pain generally leads to anxiety, while chronic pain generally leads to depression. Likely, it is not the type of pain but the duration and severity that correlate with more or less severe psychological disturbance. Further, the extent to which pain interferes with functioning is an important factor.
