A reexamination of existing data has shown differences exist in the ways boys and girls respond to pain, a factor rarely focused on in research. In comparable situations, girls rate procedures as more painful than boys. Girls report greater levels of fear and anxiety and lower levels of anger. McGrath's study on children with headaches found that girls develop the problem earlier than boys, as well as reported more intense and frequent headaches at all ages. Many problems affecting girls are viewed by providers as benign may lead to chronic, debilitating pain in adulthood.
Clinical evidence suggests that chronic pain occurs more often in girls.
Through a series of articles, the journal provides background information and covers the topics of access, quality, state regulation, Medicaid managed care, state contracts and mental health. Identify the aspects of managed care that work and do not work for children. Ensure that health insurance benefit packages meet children's needs. Assure that managed care plans provide access to appropriate pediatric specialists for children with chronic or disabling conditions. Improve coordination between managed care organizations and other service providers.