Childhood victimization and pain in adulthood: a prospective investigation

Evidence of the relationship between childhood abuse and pain problems in a dulthood has been based on cross-sectional studies using retrospective self -reports of childhood victimization. The objective of the current study was to determine whether childhood victimization increases risk for adult pain complaints, using prospective information from documented cases of child a buse and neglect. Using a prospective cohort design, cases of early childho od abuse or neglect documented between 1967 and 1971 (n = 676) and demograp hically matched controls (n = 520) were followed into young adulthood. The number of medically explained and unexplained pain complaints reported at f ollow-up (1989-1995) was examined. Assessed prospectively. physically and s exually abused and neglected individuals were not at risk for increased pai n symptoms. The odds of reporting one or more unexplained pain symptoms was not associated with any childhood victimization or specific types (i.e. se xual abuse, physical abuse. or neglect). In contrast, the odds of one or mo re unexplained pain symptoms was significantly associated with retrospectiv e self-reports of all specific types of childhood victimization. These find ings indicate that the relationship between childhood victimization and pai n symptoms in adulthood is more complex than previously thought. The common assumption that medically unexplained pain is of psychological origin shou ld be questioned. Additional research conducting comprehensive physical exa minations with victims of childhood abuse and neglect is recommended. (C) 2 001 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.