Psychiatric disorders are common in paediatric patients with chronic pain, but the overall prevalence of comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear. We report on a case of severe chronic pain in a child with undiagnosed comorbid autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, where significant improvements in pain and function occurred following methylphenidate medication and parental behavioural training.
Conclusion: The inclusion of behavioural assessment and screening for neurodevelopmental comorbidity may be essential in addressing complex paediatric chronic pain.
Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Autism; Behaviour analysis; Chronic pain; Comorbidity.
©2018 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.