New research led by scientists from the University of Liverpool and St George’s, University of London, suggests that the prolonged use of painkillers during childhood and adolescence may be associated with an increased risk of mental health issues in adulthood.
This study, published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, emphasizes the potential consequences of relying on pain relief medications from a young age.
Chronic Pain in Young Individuals
Chronic pain, characterized by pain persisting for more than three months, is a significant concern affecting young people. Approximately 8% of children experience intense and frequent pain.
Despite this prevalence, most research on chronic pain and the long-term use of painkillers has primarily focused on adults. This study aims to bridge this gap and shed light on the potential risks associated with early painkiller use.
The Alarming Findings
The research, conducted using anonymized electronic health records, involved 853,625 children and young people aged 2–24 years.
Among them, 115,101 were diagnosed with chronic pain, 20,298 received repeat prescriptions for painkillers, and 11,032 were diagnosed with chronic pain and prescribed pain relief medications.
These individuals were monitored for an average of five years after reaching the age of 25.
The study revealed several concerning trends:
Mental Health Risks: Young individuals under 25 years of age with chronic pain had a 29% higher likelihood of experiencing mental illness in adulthood.
Combined Mental Health and Substance Misuse: Those with chronic pain who were prescribed painkillers faced a 46% higher risk of developing mental illness in adulthood and an 82% higher risk of substance misuse.
Long-term Opioid Use: Chronic pain diagnosis and early prescription of painkillers were associated with an increased likelihood of long-term opioid use in later life.
A Cautionary Note on Pain Management
While effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from chronic pain, this study underscores the importance of a balanced approach.
Overreliance on pain medications at a young age may lead to potential mental health challenges and substance misuse in adulthood.
Researchers stress the need for optimizing chronic pain management in young people while avoiding excessive reliance on medications.
The Way Forward
Dr. Andrew Lambarth, Academic Clinical Fellow in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics at St George’s, University of London, highlights the need to strike a balance between pain relief and long-term health.
He emphasizes the importance of considering non-drug management approaches and involving healthcare providers in these decisions.
Professor Reecha Sofat, Breckenridge Chair of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Liverpool, calls for a reevaluation of pain management practices, particularly for individuals under 25.
This includes exploring appropriate times to refer young patients to specialized pain services for tailored support.
Understanding the Complexity of the Issue
The researchers acknowledge that various factors may contribute to these trends. It is possible that those receiving painkillers had more severe or frequent pain, possibly due to different causes.
Moreover, the inclination to seek prescription pain relief may signal worse future outcomes.
The study also highlights an overrepresentation of children and young people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders among those receiving repeat prescriptions for pain relief without a chronic pain diagnosis, suggesting potential overprescribing in this vulnerable group.
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The research findings can be found in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe.
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