The relationship between catastrophizing and disability in amputees experiencing phantom pain

Abstract

The findings suggest that catastrophizing is a significant predictor of self-reported disability in an amputee population. This population have lifetime rehabilitation needs in that prostheses have to be remade on a regular basis. The service provided tends to focus on physical rehabilitation with the goal of providing amputees with limbs that most closely resemble the appearance and function of the intact limb. This study provides tentative support for development of an intervention that specifically targets catastrophizing.