Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic, atherosclerotic condition that affects over 200 million individuals worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality. While its physical manifestations, such as intermittent claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia, are well-established, the psychological burden of PAD remains underexplored. This narrative review aims to explore the psychological needs of individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), highlighting the bi-directional relationship between PAD and mental health concerns.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using strict search terms and multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus. A systematic literature search identified key psychological themes, including the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in shaping mental health vulnerabilities and disease outcomes.
Results: The evidence underscores the bi-directional relationship between PAD and psychological concerns, as well as the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach in PAD care. Integrating mental health professionals into vascular teams enables the provision of tailored psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. These interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing psychological distress, improving treatment adherence, and enhancing physical outcomes. Moreover, early identification of mental health concerns, especially in patients with high ACE scores or severe PAD symptoms, can guide individualised care plans to optimise outcomes.
Conclusion: Future research should explore the long-term benefits of integrated care models, addressing both physical and psychological needs. By prioritising mental health alongside traditional vascular interventions, clinicians can improve not only survival rates but also the holistic well-being of patients with PAD.