Overview:
- According to pediatric health psychologists from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, adolescents may deal with chronic pain better if they’ve learned how to cope with it from adults with similar symptoms.
- An eight-week study found children and teens who participated in a video call several times a week with a mentor were more likely to experience relief from their pain.
- The pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain Consultants share results from the study that focused on coping skills for teens and adults living with chronic pain.
When we talk about chronic pain, we tend to address the adult population only, which leaves out an important demographic: children and teenagers. According to The Society of Pediatric Psychology, 11 to 38% of adolescents are affected by chronic pain. This is troubling not only because it’s children, but also because young people have a greater risk of developing socially isolating behaviors, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the physical repercussions of pain can lead to fewer days at school and problems with social development.
Fortunately, there is hope. According to Pediatric Health Psychologist Sara Ahola Kohut of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, adult mentors may be an asset to young children and teens wanting to learn how to cope with their chronic pain symptoms. Kohut stated in an interview with Reuters that, “By having trained mentors, young people who are only a couple years older than the teens, teach coping strategies, we believed the pain coping skills might be easier to learn and practice.”
Researchers from the hospital developed an eight-week program encouraged teens to schedule video calls with peer mentors. Through the video calls, the mentors were able to provide advice on ways the teens could learn to cope with chronic pain, as well as emotional support and encouragement. The teens continued to receive their regimented care at the hospital while participating in this program.
The sessions lasted anywhere from 20-40 minutes long, and after the allotted time, teens reported they were satisfied with the program and that they would recommend it to their friends. Furthermore, psychologists of the teens reported improved self-management skills and ability to cope with pain.
Patients living with chronic pain shouldn’t have to suffer from the emotional repercussions of the condition while already dealing with the physical aspects. If you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, or social isolation, call Tulsa Pain Consultants today! We can coordinate behavioral health care to complement your interventional pain care at Tulsa Pain Consultants. Call today!
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.