Distress in Adolescents With Chronic Pain: Who is at Risk, When, and Why
Living with ongoing pain can be really tough for young people. This study aims to understand why some young people with chronic pain experience high levels of distress, while others don't. It's important to find out who is most vulnerable and when, so healthcare professionals can offer support at the right moment. 70 young people, aged 12 to 19, who experience chronic pain will be asked to take part. For 30 days, they'll answer simple questions about their pain and feelings several times a day. They will also complete three longer surveys over the 30-day period. This information will help researchers learn how pain and distress can change over time and what might be causing these changes. The goal is to ensure young people get the right care when they need it most.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about understanding the link between ongoing, long-term pain and feelings of distress in young people. We know that living with chronic pain can be really difficult, and for some, it can lead to very strong feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or even thoughts of self-harm. But not every young person with chronic pain feels this way.
The main goal of this research is to discover why some young people are more likely to experience these distressing feelings. Researchers want to learn about the different factors – both personal feelings and social situations – that might make someone more vulnerable, and also how these feelings can change over hours, days, and weeks. By understanding these patterns, doctors and nurses can be better prepared to support young people who are struggling.
To do this, a group of 70 young people with chronic pain, aged 12 to 19, will be asked to take part. They will answer questions about their pain and feelings regularly over a month. The information they share is incredibly valuable and will help health professionals give the best possible care to young people dealing with ongoing pain and distress.
Key takeaways
- A study for young people aged 12-19 with chronic pain.
- Aims to understand why some young people with chronic pain experience distress.
- Involves answering questions on a smartphone app for 30 days.
- No new medicines or clinic visits are required.
- Your contribution will help improve support for others in the future.
- You can stop taking part at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for young people aged between 12 and 19 years old. You should have ongoing, long-term pain that has been carefully looked at by a specialist children's pain service, and it should be affecting your daily life. You'll also need to be able to speak and understand English well.
If you are 12 to 15 years old, your parent or guardian will need to agree for you to take part, and you'll also need to say that you're happy to join. If you are 16 or older, you can give your own consent.
You won't be able to take part if your pain is caused by a serious, ongoing illness or injury that's getting worse, like certain infections or broken bones. Also, if a doctor thinks joining the study might put you at risk because of your mental health, you wouldn't be able to participate.
- Are you between 12 and 19 years old?
- Do you have chronic pain that has been assessed by a specialist?
- Can you speak and read English fluently?
- Do you have a smartphone (Android or Apple) that you can install an app on?
- Is your parent/guardian happy for you to take part if you are under 16?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to answer questions about your pain and feelings over a 30-day period. You'll need to install a special app called m-Path on your smartphone (which works on Android or Apple phones). Using this app, you'll answer short questions about your pain and feelings about five times a day for the whole 30 days.
In addition to these daily questions, you'll also complete three more detailed surveys. These surveys will be done at the very beginning of the 30 days, once in the middle (around day 15), and then a final one at the end (around day 31). There are no visits to a clinic involved, and you won't be given any new medications as part of this study. The total time you'll be involved is about one month.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Bath Centre for Pain Services [BCPS]Bath, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Children and Young People in Pain [OxCYPP]Oxford, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for a long time, usually more than three months, and can affect many parts of daily life.
What does 'distress' mean in this study?
In this study, 'distress' refers to strong negative feelings like sadness, hopelessness, or worrying thoughts related to your pain.
Do I need my own smartphone to join?
Yes, you need to have your own smartphone (Android or Apple) to install the app for the daily questions.
Will anyone know my answers?
Your answers will be kept private and confidential. The research team will only see grouped information, not your individual responses linked to your name.
What if I start to feel worse during the study?
If you feel your mental health is getting worse, you should always speak to a trusted adult, your doctor, or a mental health professional straight away.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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