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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-06-2009 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Is childhood pain associated with future mental health problems?

A population based study of young adults in North Staffordshire

Authors: Christian D. Mallen, MPhil, MRCGP, Sara Mottram, BSc, MSc, Elaine Thomas, PhD

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 6/2009

Abstract

Background

Depression is frequently associated with pain, yet the exact nature of this relationship is still not completely understood. Increasingly it is thought that pain and depression may share a common causal pathway that may originate in childhood.

Methods

A cross-sectional population-based survey recruited participants aged 18–25 years. Participants were asked about their current and childhood pain experiences. Current levels of anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

A total of 858 young adults responded to the questionnaire. Depression was associated with having a family member with pain during childhood (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.00, 2.26), having more illness than peers during secondary school (1.66; 1.03, 2.67) and having more than three relatives with pain during childhood (OR 2.48; 1.48, 4.15). Adult anxiety was associated with more illness than peers at primary school (1.73; 1.15, 2.61), more ‘emotional’ causes of pain at both primary (1.73; CI 1.13, 2.65) and secondary school (2.06; 1.41, 3.00), and having a family member with pain during childhood (1.39; 1.04, 1.86).

Conclusions

This study adds further evidence of an association between pain experiences in childhood and mental health problems in adulthood. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of assessing childhood pain exposures in adult patients with common mental health problems.

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Title: Is childhood pain associated with future mental health problems?
A population based study of young adults in North Staffordshire
Authors: Christian D. Mallen, MPhil, MRCGP
Sara Mottram, BSc, MSc
Elaine Thomas, PhD
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 6/2009
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0453-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Is childhood pain associated with future mental health problems?

A population based study of young adults in North Staffordshire

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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