In this exploratory study we describe the impact of chronic pain in childre
n and adolescents. Information was gathered from the parents of 43 children
(ages 7 to 16 years) referred for psychological management of chronic pain
in a tertiary care setting. Parents completed a questionnaire about their
child's experience of pain over the past year, its impact on child and fami
ly day-to-day activities, and treatments sought. Their responses depict cli
nically significant levels of pain and associated disability, requiring mul
tiple contacts with health care providers. Although these data are prelimin
ary, they suggest that complex pain problems in children and adolescents ca
n be associated with both personal costs to families and economic costs to
the health care system. There is a compelling need for effective treatments
for children and adolescents with chronic pain that specifically target pr
evention or reduction of disability.