A new study suggests that people who had a difficult childhood or had negative experiences at an early age are more likely to develop chronic pain and the side effects of opioid painkillers. free.
Experts from the University of Dundee’s Consortium Against Pain Inequalities (CAP) suggest that neglect in early life increases the risk of pain and opioids have serious side effects in adulthood.
In their study, published in the journal Pain, the scientists observed mice and found that those who experienced interruptions in care from their mothers had an increased risk of persistent pain.
The theory has not been tested on humans.
The study revealed: “morphine used to treat pain was less effective than rats that did not experience disruption of maintenance.”
Morphine rapidly induces tolerance, a phenomenon associated with the development of opioid dependence and abuse.
According to the researchers, “These changes may explain why people who experienced childhood neglect and trauma also develop persistent pain and opioid dependence, findings with important implications for prescribing painkillers.” are.”
Professor Tim Hales, CAP principal investigator, said: “We know that what happens in childhood can lead to a number of poor health outcomes later in life.”
“The strongest link is with drug dependence. Psychological trauma and neglect lead to physical changes in the brain so it’s not surprising that it can also increase the risk of pain.”
“We believe that altered coping mechanisms caused by persistent stressors such as neglect in early life mean that some individuals are less able to manage their pain and, with their risk of adverse effects, opioids. Prescriptions are also less likely to benefit.”
“I think this research will have an important impact because it shows how this can happen.”
Chronic pain affects millions of people in the UK and is often associated with arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia and other disorders.
A better understanding of mechanisms and vulnerabilities is needed to address the challenges of treating chronic pain and improve people’s livelihoods.
Professor Hales added: “Opioids have a role in the treatment of pain, but they are potentially harmful drugs. Addiction is a complex, multifactorial condition.”
“A better understanding of the mechanisms linking adverse early life events to chronic pain will lead to changes in our approach to prescribing analgesic drugs.”