Suicidal distress in adolescents with chronic pain: Who is at risk, when, and why?

Research summary

Living with chronic pain can be tough for any young person. But while some young people may experience distressing thoughts, others may not. No young person should face these problems alone. So, it’s important for us to figure out who might be more vulnerable to distress, when, and why. That way, we can be there for them when they need it most. In total, 70 young people with chronic pain (aged 12-19 years) will be invited to take part. Over a 30-day period, they will answer a few questions about their pain and feelings five times per day (experience sampling part) and complete three detailed surveys (at the start, in the middle, and at the end). This will help us better understand how feelings of pain and distress might change over hours, days, and weeks. Plus, it might show us which psychological and social factors might bring about these changes. Answering these questions is vital as it will help us make sure vulnerable young people get the right care at the right time. This study aims to address the following research questions: What are the factors (moderators) that determine why some adolescents with chronic pain may experience suicidal distress but not others, and through which mechanisms (mediators) does chronic pain increase such distress over time? Primary objective: We will use the repeated survey data (at day 0, 15, and 31): To explore the extent to which pain interference (at baseline) is associated with suicidal distress (primarily hopelessness and entrapment, and secondarily suicidal and self-harm thoughts and behaviours), measured repeatedly over time. Secondary objectives: We will use the experience sampling data (5x day/30 days: day 1-30) to explore: * how the relationship between pain interference and suicidal distress unfolds in the patient’s daily life. * the moderators (collected at baseline, survey data) that determine why some young people with chronic pain may experience suicidal distress over time, but not others. * the mechanisms (experience sampling items) underpinning the potential relationship between pain interference and suicidal distress in the patient’s daily life.

Principal Investigator

Ms Verena Hinze

Contact us

Email: gail.lang@ndorms.ox.ac.uk

IRAS number

341501