Psychological Influences

Besides the anatomical elements of PLP in the central nervous system, there are also psycological factors. Many authors have noted the pycological involvement in PLP. Otsuka dicusses the conflict that arises between desire for the lost limb and suppression for giving it up. As Otsuka says, "These fluctuating qualities may be desirable allowing better acceptance of a prothesis and incorporation of the phantom limb as a mechanism of positive feedback" (Kamen, 1994).

Frazier and Kolb proposed that these factors were involved:

  1. Unresolved fanatasies about the amputated limb can interfere with recovery and cause pain.
  2. Previous association with an amputee that was morbid.
  3. Overemphasis on body parts and image. (Frazier, 1970).

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