Why carry out this study?

pDN can result in severe neuropathic pain which is often be intractable. It has an adverse effect on quality of life and social functioning. Psychological factors play an important role in pain perception.

The key features of evaluating people with neuropathic pain in relation to psychological aspects of their health are discussed in the context of management in a tertiary pain management centre. We discuss cognitive behavioural interventions to improve the quality of life in patients with pDN.

What was learned from the study?

Pain reduction plays only a part of the outcomes in a pain management programme. Quality of life and improvement in overall functioning are key outcomes in psychological interventions.