Chronic pain and fatigue are common physical complaints among children and adolescents. Both symptoms can interfere considerably with daily life by affecting sleep and eating habits, engagement in physical and social activities, and school participation. The aim of this study was to examine the potential mediational role of fatigue in the relationship between pain and children's school functioning and overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL). View full publication here.

The aim of this study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children and adolescents with chronic pain. Through questionnaires findings indicated that children with chronic pain report significantly lower HRQOL scores compared to children with other chronic illnesses. In addition to targeting pain management, interventions focused on emotional health are necessary to enhance health outcomes for children with chronic pain. View full publication here.

The aim of this study was to further understand the influence of psychological variables on pain in children with chronic pain by examining the relations between pain, anxiety sensitivity (AS), somatization, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and whether they vary as a function of age and gender.  Somatization was significantly related to higher pain intensity. Somatization significantly predicted HRQOL over and above pain. AS was a significant predictor of impaired HRQOL for children and females in the sample, but not for adolescents or males. Somatization and AS may be better predictors of HRQOL impairment than pain intensity in children with chronic pain, and it may differ as a function of age and gender. View full publication here.

Youth with chronic pain have high healthcare utilization and associated costs. Research supports integrated treatment; though, it’s unclear which treatments are used and cost-effective. The aim of this study was to explore which services were commonly used and which individual (psychotherapy, medication management, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback) and/or combinations of services were associated with service use reduction and cost savings. Massage services were associated with reduced inpatient costs. There were trends of fewer emergency department visits for participants who received CIM services in addition to medication management and psychotherapy, and more visits for those with biofeedback. View full publication here.