The ‘CLIMB’ Study

What question are we trying to answer?

The aim of this project is to investigate whether children and young people (aged 8-18 years) with joint or muscle pain are managed differently by their doctor (GP) if they also have a mental health condition (e.g. depression) or neurodiversity (e.g. autism) compared to young people with joint or muscle pain only.

What research has already been done?

Previous research has shown it is more common for children and young people with a mental health condition or neurodiversity to also have joint or muscle pain than children and young people without a mental health condition or neurodiversity. There are currently no studies that have looked at whether children and young people with joint or muscle pain receive different treatments if they also suffer with a mental health condition or neurodiversity. This is an important topic as joint or muscle pain can be disabling for children or young people and being given different medications for joint or muscle pain because of having another condition could have a big impact on day-to-day life.

How will we answer the question?

Using a national database of anonymous patient records from general practice, we will investigate:

how many young people with new joint or muscle pain have visited their GP for a mental health condition or neurodiversity in the 2 years before their joint or muscle pain consultation.

how often young people with new joint or muscle pain (i) visit their GP, (ii) are prescribed painkillers, or (iii) see a specialist, in the 2 years after their joint or muscle pain consultation.

The rates between children and young people with joint or muscle pain and a mental health condition or neurodiversity will be compared to those with joint or muscle pain only.

How will patients be involved in the research?

Children and young people with joint or muscle pain will be invited to advise on the project throughout to make sure the study results will be helpful to GPs when discussing the best treatment options with patients who are young people with new joint or muscle pain and a mental health condition or neurodiversity.

How will we tell others about our findings?

With input from children and young people, we will design diagrams or graphics summarising the study findings to be shared on social media (e.g. Twitter, Instagram) with lay summaries provided on a study website. Findings will also be shared with NHS England mental health teams, the Royal College of General Practitioners, and through traditional academic avenues.

Amount Awarded: £64,765