Distinct Influences of Anxiety and Pain Catastrophizing on Functional Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVES

Examine whether anxiety and pain catastrophizing are distinct constructs in relation to functional outcomes in pediatric chronic pain, and whether they differentially predict functional outcomes based on age.

METHODS

In all, 725 youth (191 children, 534 adolescents) with chronic pain completed measures of pain characteristics, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, functional disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Structural equation modeling was used to examine interrelationships.

RESULTS

Anxiety and pain catastrophizing were distinct. For both children and adolescents, pain catastrophizing predicted pain, functional disability, and HRQOL, and was a stronger predictor of pain intensity. For children, anxiety predicted HRQOL, and pain catastrophizing was a stronger predictor of functional disability. For adolescents, anxiety predicted functional disability and HRQOL, and anxiety was a stronger predictor of HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

There were age-related differences regarding whether anxiety or pain catastrophizing more strongly predicted specific functional outcomes. Assessment and intervention efforts should emphasize both anxiety and pain catastrophizing.