The TPA team recently had the pleasure of catching up with Dr Kerry-Ann Louw to discuss her view on the bidirectional relationship between mental health and pain. The conversation covered a wide range of topics. Differentiating between somatization disorders and chronic pain, dealing with unhelpful diagnostic labels, indicators for referral and medication overlaps were discussed.

Dr Louw is particularly passionate about how to protect health practitioners from burnout. Knowing some basic psychiatric principals applicable to pain patients may assist clinicians in their own responses to patients distress.

Happily, Dr Louw is able to join us for the live discussion in the Engine Room on 10 May. This is a real bonus and we look forward to all of you bringing your knowledge and expertise and adding to the discussion.