Assessment and management of recurrent pain in adolescence.

The pediatrician presented with an adolescent complaining of recurrent or chronic pain should assess the antecedents, sustainers and consequences of the pain syndrome. Particular attention should be paid to the developmental tasks of adolescence and the presence of psychosocial stress in the adolescent's family, school, peer relationships or community. Regardless of its etiology, effective management of recurrent or chronic pain in adolescence involves a balance of cognitive, behavioral and pharmacologic interventions.