Childhood neglect can increase pain and harmful painkiller side effects - Dundee uni study
Scientists looked at mice and found those who had their care from their mother disrupted suffered more
New research has found poor experiences in childhood, such as neglect, can increase chronic pain and create severe side effects for drugs like morphine.
The study by experts at the University of Dundee looked at mice and found those who had their care from their mother disrupted suffered more.
The theory has not yet been tested on humans, however.
In addition, morphine used to treat the pain was less effective than in those mice who had not experienced disrupted care, the study found.
Morphine also caused rapid tolerance, a phenomenon associated with the development of opioid dependence and misuse.
These changes may explain why people exposed to childhood neglect and trauma are also prone to persistent pain and opioid dependence, findings with significant implications for the prescribing of painkillers, the researchers said.
Professor Tim Hales, principal investigator of Cape, said: "We know that what happens in childhood can lead to multiple poor health outcomes in later life.
"The strongest association is with drug dependence.
"Psychological trauma and neglect cause physical changes in the brain so it is not surprising that this can also increase vulnerability to pain.
"We believe that altered coping mechanisms caused by persistent stressors such as neglect in early life means some individuals are less able to regulate their pain and may also be less likely to benefit from opioid prescriptions, with vulnerability to their negative effects.
"I think this research will have an important impact as it identifies how this can happen."