Bad behaviour in childhood 'raises risk of future pain'
Bad behaviour in childhood 'raises risk of future pain'
Children who suffer from behavioural problems are twice as likely to endure chronic widespread pain in later life than others, new research has revealed.According to UK scientists, a faulty link between the nervous system and hormones in badly behaved children could have long-term effects on adult health.
They suggested that emotional stress or trauma in early life may have an impact on this brain function, causing behavioural problems in childhood and chronic pain in later life.
The study, carried out at the University of Aberdeen, looked at nearly 20,000 people born between 1958 and the present day.
Findings showed that those who displayed severe behavioural problems during childhood were more than twice as likely to suffer chronic pain as adults than those who did not.
"This study helps us to understand the factors in childhood that can lead someone to get on a trajectory of ill health, including chronic pain," the researchers wrote.
According to Chronic Pain Ireland, more than 400,000 Irish people experience chronic pain, with a third of sufferers unable or less able to maintain an independent lifestyle as a result.
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