Adolescent chronic pain and disability: A review of the current evidence in assessment and treatment

Adolescents who suffer from chronic pain also report complex syndrome-associated disability and distress that can detrimentally affect the quality of their lives and the lives of their family members. Over the past 10 years, there have been significant developments in both methods of assessment and in treatment programs. There have also been good developments in clinical assessment tools, although many need further study. However, the evidence base of available treatments remains small, and there is an urgent need for new trials in both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. The greatest challenges are organizational, and the concern is how to bring patients in contact with available treatments. Many patients who could benefit from evidence-supported treatments are not currently able to access treatment. Theoretical developments aimed at explaining chronic pain within the context of the family, as well as family attempts at coping with complex disability, are underway.