Psychological barriers to optimal pain management in infants and children.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the numerous psychological barriers to optimum pain relief in infants, children, and adolescents.

DATA SOURCES

The professional and scientific literature on pediatric pain was accessed by means of Psychlit and Medline searches. Our clinical experience with patients was also used.

DATA SYNTHESES

The potential barriers to optimum management were discussed in terms of cognitive and emotional developmental barriers, perceived lack of control, children's knowledge and attitudes, and characteristics of children.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychological barriers to optimum pain relief are significant and attention to these barriers could lead to better pain management.