Until recently, many people used to believe chronic pain was a
problem unique to adults; however, epidemiological studies have
demonstrated that a number of children are also severely affected
by pain.
In fact, 2 percent of children and adolescents may be living with
severe, debilitating and recurring pain symptoms that can be severe
enough to:
- Interrupt sleep
- Restrict physical activity
- Prevent them from attending school
Yet despite the negative impact this chronic pain can hold over
a child, the lack of data on successful treatments is, to boldly
phrase it, embarrassing. And the children aren't the only ones suffering
...
Families Affected Too
Studies have indicated that the emotional distress and heightened
sense of vulnerability that accompany a child's chronic pain can
have a major impact on parents and siblings. For example, many parents
report higher than normal levels of anxiety, as well as marital
and financial problems.
Additionally, many doctors who deal with children suffering from
chronic pain resort to potentially toxic drug-based treatments that
are often developed from data collected on adults, meaning success
can be spotty at best. Such inaccurate and unhelpful treatments
can fuel fear and frustration in children and their parents.
Addressing Emotions Instead
Research done by the Pain
Management Unit at the University of Bath found that it may
be possible to reduce the impact of pain on the lives of children
and their families with the help of psychologically-based treatments.
Based on a cognitive therapy program, researchers found adolescents
who suffered from chronic pain scored higher on physical, psychological
and social tests -- enough that 40 percent of them returned to school
full-time.
Science
Blog July 5, 2005
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