Understanding how stress affects children with chronic pain
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Stress in Youth with Chronic Widespread Pain
This study is looking at how stress and tough experiences in childhood can affect young people with chronic widespread pain, and it will explore whether practices like mindfulness can help improve their pain and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911154 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms behind chronic widespread pain (CWP) in youth, particularly focusing on how stress and adverse childhood experiences impact their health. The study aims to explore the effects of mind-body interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, on stress-related changes in the brain and body. By examining factors like allostatic load and hippocampal functioning, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving pain management and overall well-being in affected youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 0-21 who experience chronic widespread pain and have a history of adverse childhood experiences.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic widespread pain or who are outside the age range of 0-21 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for managing chronic pain and stress in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for mind-body interventions in managing stress and pain, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Sarah Mary — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Sarah Mary
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.