Voices from the past: ancient views of pain in childhood

Abstract

Our understanding of pain in childhood has made many important advances in the past 15-20 years. Examination of the views of ancient writers, who were concerned about pain and disease in childhood, reveals similar concerns that have dominated the discussions of clinicians and researchers in the twentieth century. The most recent pediatric pain research confirms the position of many writers in previous centuries who believed children and infants are sensitive to pain. Although childhood historians have assumed that pain in children was largely ignored in previous centuries, examination of ancient medical writings reveals ongoing debates about the sources of pain in childhood, symptoms of pain and its treatment. This paper contrasts historical perspectives with the views of twentieth century writers.