Teens' chronic pain linked to stress hormones and brain changes, study finds

NCT ID NCT04488757

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how stress affects the brain and body in 70 teenagers (ages 11-17) with chronic widespread pain. Participants will have an MRI scan while experiencing mild heat pain, and provide saliva samples to measure stress hormones. The goal is to understand the link between stress, brain function, and pain, which could lead to better treatments in the future.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could reveal how stress contributes to chronic pain in young people, pointing toward new ways to treat or manage the condition.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It is small (70 participants) and early-stage, so findings may not apply to everyone or lead directly to new therapies.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC WIDESPREAD PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain fibromyalgia Stress, Psychological

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC WIDESPREAD PAIN STRESS, PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS, PSYCHOLOGICAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Children's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.