#91. Mental Health and Pediatric Pain; Chicken or the Egg?

Jan 3, 2023

Pain and mental illnesses coexist, often more than any of other illnesses. Both of them have a profound effect on a child's child’s quality of life, individually.  Now imagine the magnitude of impact  when they co-exist.

 

In this episode, Dr. Anjana Kundu, with guest speaker Dr. Mirabelle Mattar, a child, and adolescent psychiatrist, discusses the intricate and dynamic relationship between pediatric pain and mental health, likely cause or affect and prognosis for a child with pain in the setting of mental health issues or vice-versa.  They also discussed the factors which may predispose a child to a higher risk of chronic pain and mental problems, role of trauma, PTSD and other adverse events on pediatric pain.

 

Takeaways In This Episode:

• How Dr. Mattar became interested and her journey to the intersection of pediatric mental health and pain
• Some unexpected discovery during this journey among children with chronic pain
• Importance of understanding the effects of chronic pain on mental health in children.
• What is the sequence of occurrence when pain and mental health issues co-exist and how does it matter.
• What should the focus of treatment entail
• Impact of regaining function and improving mental health
• Common chronic pain conditions associated with mental illnesses and vice versa
• Influence of trauma, ACES and PTSD on children's pain
• When to consult a  mental health professional for a child with pain issues
• Diagnosing conversion disorder
• Ways to work with the entire family unit especially when mental health and physical health issues are tangled. 
• A Message to YOU from Dr. Mattar

 

Links

Mirabelle Mattar, MD

Clinicians’ Pain Evaluation Toolkit

Proactive Pain Solutions

 

About the Guest Speaker

Mirabelle Mattar, MD