[Influence of psychic comorbidity on the treatment process of patients with diabetic foot ulcer].

Until now there are only few studies with small samples dealing with psychosocial aspects of patients with diabetic foot ulcer. The main interest concerns the quality of life of these patients. By reviewing the literature and our own clinical experience, the influence of psychic comorbidity on the treatment process will be demonstrated. Mobility and hospitalization are also related to problems of coping with diabetic foot ulcer and psychosocial problems (e.g., job, partnership, and social support). Therefore, disease management programs for patients with diabetes mellitus types I and II should include psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic diagnostics. The necessity for interdisciplinary work between orthopedics and psychosomatics is discussed.