Psychological Perspective on Hand Injury and Pain

Narrative Review

Pain is considered a fundamental ramification of hand injury and has been identified as one of the most acutely stressful aspects of traumatic injuries and their treatment. Both comorbid psychiatric conditions and psychosocial factors have been shown to affect medical treatment outcome in patients with hand disorders and pain, further complicating recovery and potentially leading to significant psychological, social, and economic consequences for the individual. The purpose of this article was to assist hand therapists in developing a greater understanding of psychological constructs, psychosocial variables, and comorbid psychiatric conditions and thereby facilitate the more effective identification of such factors. A case study is included to illustrate these concepts. Circumstances in which referral for a comprehensive psychological evaluation is necessary are discussed. Many of the principles reviewed are also applicable to other upper extremity and musculoskeletal conditions.