Chronic Pain in Youth: The Overlooked Connection Between Physical Pain and Mental Health
Clear Conscience Counseling, LLC
To provide high quality, compassionate, therapeutic and counseling services to the community, including the under-served
At Clear Conscience Counseling, we recognize the importance of addressing the mental and emotional aspects of chronic pain, particularly in young people. Research shows that chronic pain doesn't just affect the body; it significantly impacts mental health as well. According to a comprehensive review led by researchers at Macquarie University, young people with chronic pain are three times more likely to develop clinical anxiety or depression compared to their peers without chronic pain. This startling statistic sheds light on the need for an integrated approach to treating both pain and mental health.
The Link Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health in Youth
A study published in JAMA Paediatrics reviewed 79 studies covering nearly 23,000 children and youths under 18, including more than 12,000 young people suffering from chronic pain. The findings suggest that one-third of children with chronic pain meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder, and one in eight meets the criteria for a depressive disorder. These alarming figures point to a critical gap in how chronic pain is understood and treated in young patients.
Dr. Joanne Dudeney, the lead author of the study and a clinical psychologist at Macquarie University, emphasizes that clinicians must look beyond the physical symptoms. She states, "We risk doing young people a disservice if we're not considering comorbid anxiety and depression when they're presenting with chronic pain." At Clear Conscience Counseling, we fully agree with Dr. Dudeney’s perspective. Chronic pain often brings emotional and psychological challenges, and managing these aspects is vital for a comprehensive healing process.
Common Conditions with Chronic Pain in Children
The review looked at various conditions where chronic pain is either the primary or secondary symptom, such as:
Despite this wide range of conditions, the connection between chronic pain and mental health struggles is often overlooked. Dr. Dudeney notes that much of the existing research on chronic pain in young people focuses on "fear of pain, pain anxiety, and pain catastrophization," but often neglects the broader mental health issues such as general anxiety and depression.
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The Importance of Addressing Mental Health Alongside Pain Management
The research underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that considers both physical and emotional well-being. Dr. Dudeney suggests that parents and clinicians alike should be aware of the prevalence of anxiety and depression in children suffering from chronic pain. "If we're not considering the mental health component, it's likely we're also not going to achieve the clinical improvements we want to see," she explains.
At Clear Conscience Counseling, we emphasize this holistic approach. When working with young people dealing with chronic pain, we assess both their physical and mental health. Our goal is to offer a tailored treatment plan that includes therapy for anxiety and depression, in addition to addressing the chronic pain itself. For parents, it’s important to advocate for their children to receive mental health assessments when they present with chronic pain symptoms.
How Clear Conscience Counseling Can Help
We are committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain. Our experienced therapists can work alongside doctors and pain specialists to ensure that mental health is not overlooked. As Dr. Dudeney suggests, a simple screening for anxiety and depression can significantly improve the overall treatment outcomes for young patients. Our team can support families in navigating these challenges and developing effective coping strategies.
In partnership with medical professionals, we ensure that young people receive the care they need to manage both their pain and mental health conditions. We are here to help your child regain control of their life and well-being, offering a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic pain and needs support, contact Clear Conscience Counseling today. Together, we can help your child take the next step toward healing both physically and emotionally.