Developmental and psychological factors in children's pain

It is clear that previously we were ill-informed and misinformed about children's pain. Recent investigations have led not only to a burgeoning of understanding of pediatric pain, but also an increase in our ability to appropriately measure and treat children's pain. Both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical treatments have made major strides in the past few years. Even more crucial is the change that has happened in the willingness of health professionals to recognize that children do suffer pain and that aggressive treatment is often indicated. However, careful consideration must be given to physiologic, cognitive, affective, and psychosocial development, both in order to maximize the effectiveness of interventions and to recognize the limits that development may place on any specific approach.