Diagnostics of Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

By definition, a pain disorder is a biopsychosocial disease. Irrespective of their individual proportion, diagnostics in pain disorders must always assess biological, psychological and social factors. Medical diagnostic procedures explore whether, for example, physical diseases have contributed to the development and maintenance of the pain disorder or whether they have a negative impact on it. Psychological diagnostics assess emotional determinants, the appearance of dysfunctional cognitions or coping strategies, and the degree of pain-related impairment of the child's life. Diagnostics of social factors investigate possible dysfunctional behaviours within the family system or elsewhere, and the interaction between the pain disorder and dysfunctional behaviours within the family, school or peer group. Additionally, it is important to identify the child's and his/her family's specific resources. This chapter describes the procedures necessary for a comprehensive assessment.