OBJECTIVE: To study chronic pain not caused by somatic disease in
adolescents and the effect of pain on the quality of life of the
adolescents and their families. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight
youngsters (12-18 years) who had reported chronic pain kept a 3-week diary
of their pain and completed a questionnaire on quality of life. Their
mothers completed a questionnaire on the impact of their youngster's pain
on the family. RESULTS: The most prevalent pains were limb pain, headache,
abdominal, and back pain. The pain increased during the day, with the
highest frequency around dinner time and the highest intensity around
bedtime. Girls reported more intense and more frequent pain than boys. The
higher the intensity and frequency of the pain, the lower the
self-reported quality of life of the female or male adolescent, especially
regarding psychological functioning (e.g. feeling less at ease), physical
status (a greater incidence of other somatic complaints), and functional
status (more impediments to leisure and daily activities). Chronic pain
also had a negative impact on family life. The mothers reported
restrictions, particularly in social life, and problems dealing with the
stress of the adolescent's pain. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain, not caused by
somatic disease, was present to a higher degree in girls; the pain
increased during the day and had a negative impact on quality of life of
the adolescents and the family. There is a need for future research aimed
at identifying risk factors for chronic pain and pain-associated quality
of life in children and adolescents