Chronic Pain in Children
Between 15-32% of children and adolescents report having persistent pain of either known or unknown origin. The most common types of chronic pain reported by this group include: headaches; stomachaches; arm or leg pain; and back pain. These complaints are unlikely to resolve over time; chronic pain disorders become more common as we age. What’s even more troubling is that in all ages persistent pain can both precipitate and maintain emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.
Children and adolescents with persistent physical complaints should receive treatment with a Psychologist. Whether the pain is of known or unknown origin, psychological treatment in no way implies that the pain is not real or is “all in your head”. For children and adolescents with persistent physical complaints who do not (yet) experience anxiety and depression, getting psychological treatment can be prophylactic.
Treatment can be helpful for those who have emotional, as well as physical complaints.
For children and adolescents with chronic pain, having concurrent anxiety or depression can make it harder to become pain free. For this group, psychological treatment of the mood disturbance is a crucial part of efforts to resolve the chronic pain; once both the physical and emotional aspects of a chronic pain syndrome are present, both must be treated.
In addition to insomnia, having chronic pain can also cause trouble with concentration and memory. Chronic physical complaints can also lead to a decreased interest in eating, socializing and participating in previously enjoyable activities.
Behavioral therapy can help children and adolescents with chronic pain return to normal patterns of sleep and activity; cognitive therapy can help them cope with negative thoughts, as well as any stigma associated with their pain.
Psychological treatment of a child or adolescent with chronic pain provides an opportunity for the child or adolescent to receive some care that doesn't involve any intrusive or painful procedures. Treatment with a Psychologist can empower the child or adolescent to have more honest and assertive communication with parents, medical providers and school personnel. Persistent physical complaints in a child or adolescent can have a negative impact on the whole family. Parents may feel helpless and resent the fact that they are unable to comfort their child. Siblings may feel confused, angry, scared or even neglected. Supportive family therapy can benefit the parents and siblings as well as the child or adolescent with physical complaints.
Free Smart Phone Apps for Anxiety and Depression
· Anxiety
Breathe2Relax
Stop Panic & Anxiety
My Anxiety Coach
MindShift
Anxiety Break
Self-Help Anxiety Management
Worry Box
· Depression
Optimism
Mood Kit
Mobilyze
Depression CBT Self-Help guide
Moody Me
· For children afraid of needles
Pablo the Pufferfish
Children and adolescents with persistent physical complaints should receive treatment with a Psychologist. Whether the pain is of known or unknown origin, psychological treatment in no way implies that the pain is not real or is “all in your head”. For children and adolescents with persistent physical complaints who do not (yet) experience anxiety and depression, getting psychological treatment can be prophylactic.
Treatment can be helpful for those who have emotional, as well as physical complaints.
For children and adolescents with chronic pain, having concurrent anxiety or depression can make it harder to become pain free. For this group, psychological treatment of the mood disturbance is a crucial part of efforts to resolve the chronic pain; once both the physical and emotional aspects of a chronic pain syndrome are present, both must be treated.
In addition to insomnia, having chronic pain can also cause trouble with concentration and memory. Chronic physical complaints can also lead to a decreased interest in eating, socializing and participating in previously enjoyable activities.
Behavioral therapy can help children and adolescents with chronic pain return to normal patterns of sleep and activity; cognitive therapy can help them cope with negative thoughts, as well as any stigma associated with their pain.
Psychological treatment of a child or adolescent with chronic pain provides an opportunity for the child or adolescent to receive some care that doesn't involve any intrusive or painful procedures. Treatment with a Psychologist can empower the child or adolescent to have more honest and assertive communication with parents, medical providers and school personnel. Persistent physical complaints in a child or adolescent can have a negative impact on the whole family. Parents may feel helpless and resent the fact that they are unable to comfort their child. Siblings may feel confused, angry, scared or even neglected. Supportive family therapy can benefit the parents and siblings as well as the child or adolescent with physical complaints.
Free Smart Phone Apps for Anxiety and Depression
· Anxiety
Breathe2Relax
Stop Panic & Anxiety
My Anxiety Coach
MindShift
Anxiety Break
Self-Help Anxiety Management
Worry Box
· Depression
Optimism
Mood Kit
Mobilyze
Depression CBT Self-Help guide
Moody Me
· For children afraid of needles
Pablo the Pufferfish
