A board-certified forensic psychiatrist in Kentfield, CA, Stephen Raffle, MD, has nearly five decades of experience providing professional consultations in clinical practice settings and forensic psychiatric assessments, including testimony in numerous depositions and trials. Throughout his career, Stephen Raffle, MD, has had an interest in topics such as the relationship between the mind and pain.
Often the line between physical and emotional pain can become blurred as the mind affects the perception of bodily injury. Medical practitioners continue to research how mental disorders or emotional distress may result in negative physical manifestations.
In order to adequately treat a patient's complaint of pain, a physician may need to evaluate psychological elements of the individual in order to eliminate a mental disorder as a possible cause or treat any psychological component. Ultimately, pain arises as a symptom of an underlying cause, which may or may not be only a physical disease or condition.
Although it may take more time for a complete assessment, choosing to look at the root of the problem, rather than simply alleviating its symptoms with medications, can provide much greater relief for patients. Often, psychological disturbances and physical suffering work together to exacerbate each other. Therefore, the optimal treatment must address both the body and mind.
