Chronic Pain in Pediatric Patients and the Association of Suicidal Ideations and Suicidal Attempts

Objective: This retrospective study determined the rate of suicidal ideations and attempts and explored the correlations of chronic pain and suicidal ideations or attempts of adolescent patients who were between the ages of 10 and 17 years diagnosed with a chronic pain condition at an outpatient pediatric pain clinic. Contributing factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, sleep issues, or any psychological stressors placing adolescents at higher risk of either suicidal ideations or attempts were examined. Methods: A chart review was performed of 205 pediatric patients (163 females) aged 10 to 17 years who attended the outpatient pediatric pain clinic between 2013 and 2015. Data were collected and underwent statistical analysis to determine the strength of the correlations between the contributing factors and suicidal ideations and attempts. Results: We compared the resulting data with data from the Centers for Disease Control regarding suicidal ideations and attempts in adolescents. The frequency of suicidal ideations in these patients was 59/205 (28.8%). History of being bullied, female gender, recent breakup, family conflict, prior psychological interventions, depression or anxiety, and history of substance abuse showed statistically significant associations with suicidal ideations. The frequency of suicidal attempts in these patients was 20/205 (9.8%). In patients aged 14 to 17 years, history of psychological intervention and anxiety or depression showed statistically significant associations with suicidal attempts. Conclusions: This analysis of factors that influence risk of suicidal ideations and attempts in the adolescent population with chronic pain will help physicians identify these risk factors in their patients and emphasize the importance of preventive measures.