Is CRPS a Psychological Condition?

Research has shown again and again that CRPS is a physical condition, not a psychological one. It is not a mental illness, although there are unfortunately still people who believe that. Research has shown that there is no link between any psychological conditions causing the onset of CRPS. However, due to the constant high levels of pain and the issues caused within the biopsychosocial model of living with this long term condition, CRPS can go on to cause mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, GAD and other psychological conditions.

If you are affected by mental health problems subsequent to your CRPS, please ask to be referred for counselling or the mental health team.

Learn more about the psychological treatments available for CRPS

Please remember that it has been proven through research that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a physical condition, despite what you may hear from a medical professional. Some medical professionals believe that the condition is caused by previous psychological problems, but this is NOT the case. The condition can causes future psychological problems because of the constant amount of pain. Prior psychological or mental health issues don’t predetermine CRPS. CRPS is not in your mind. It is a real physical condition.

According to the NINDS factsheet on CRPS, they state that "CRPS is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system involves nerve signaling from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body."

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