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Psychosomatic symptoms in preadolescent children.
T M Tamminen1, P Bredenberg, T Escartin
1Department of Public Health, University of Tampere, Finland.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Psychosomatic symptoms are common in 8-year-old children, often linked to depression and affecting school performance. Constant symptoms are rare, with no observed gender differences in symptom occurrence.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Psychosomatic symptoms are frequently reported in children.
- Understanding their prevalence and associations is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and associations of psychosomatic symptoms in 8-year-old children.
- To explore the relationship between these symptoms, depression, and academic performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Finnish national epidemiological study sample of 1,100 children aged 8.
- Employed self-report questionnaires completed by children, parents, and teachers.
Main Results:
- Psychosomatic symptoms were common, but persistent symptoms were infrequent.
- No significant sex differences were found in symptom occurrence.
- Strong associations were observed between psychosomatic symptoms, depression scores, and school performance.
Conclusions:
- Psychosomatic symptoms are prevalent in 8-year-old children and warrant attention.
- The strong link to depression and school performance highlights potential areas for targeted support and research.