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A management model for pediatric somatization
1Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213, USA. campojv@msx.upmc.edu
Insights
This study outlines a management model for pediatric somatization, emphasizing assessment, diagnosis, and a cognitive-behavioral approach. It highlights the need for further research into effective interventions for medically unexplained physical symptoms in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Medically unexplained physical symptoms are prevalent in pediatric populations.
- Limited systematic research exists for treating pediatric somatization and somatoform disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a management model for pediatric somatization.
- To synthesize principles from existing pediatric and adult literature.
Main Methods:
- Distilled principles from pediatric and adult literature.
- Proposed a model emphasizing assessment and diagnosis.
- Advocated for cognitive-behavioral and rehabilitative strategies.
Main Results:
- The proposed model integrates careful assessment and frank diagnosis communication.
- It stresses cognitive-behavioral and rehabilitative interventions.
- Aggressive psychiatric treatment for comorbid conditions is recommended.
Conclusions:
- A structured management approach is crucial for pediatric somatization.
- Further empirical research is needed to evaluate intervention efficacy.
- Studies should explore the links between symptom and functional improvement and comorbid anxiety/depression.
Abstract:
Medically unexplained physical symptoms are common in pediatric settings, though little systematic research is available to guide the development of treatment efforts for pediatric somatization and somatoform disorders. This paper presents a management model for pediatric somatization based on principles distilled from the available pediatric and adult literature. Careful assessment, frank presentation of the diagnosis, and a cognitive-behavioral and rehabilitative approach are emphasized, along with aggressive psychiatric treatment of comorbid psychopathology. Well-designed empirical studies of intervention are needed that should examine efficacy as well as the relationship between symptomatic improvement, functional improvement, and comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms.