Approximately 2.1 million people in the United States have undergone an amputation, and it is estimated that 185,000 new amputations are performed every year.[1] Amputation of a limb can create many debilitating problems for the patient, including phantom limb without pain (PLWP) or phantom limb pain (PLP).[2] PLP is a chronic, neuropathic pain that patients describe as coming from the amputated appendage. It can manifest as shooting pain, stabbing pain, burning, cramping or numbness and may vary in intensity and frequency.[3]

Almost all amputees report some sensation of their amputated limb and many report PLP.[3] The exact mechanism of PLP is unknown but it is postulated that amputation causes traumatic changes to axons in the central and peripheral nervous system, resulting in ectopic afferent signaling or reorganized mapping of structures in the cerebral cortex.[4] PLP usually occurs within the first week after amputation but can manifest much later, sometimes years after the amputation. No association has been shown between PLP and age, sex, or cause of amputation.[5]

Loss of an extremity is a traumatic, life changing event and its association with mental health disorders has been well established. Moreover, it has been shown that 20-60% of amputees attending surgical, or rehabilitation clinics are assessed as clinically depressed.[6] However, the specific relationship between PLP and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and self-harm has not been elucidated. This study aims to examine the relationship between phantom limb syndrome and mental health disorders. It also compares these comorbidities between mental health disorders in PLP patients to patients with Phantom Limb without Pain (PLWP).